Lab technician

Work Activities
As a laboratory assistant in the Living Systems Center, you will perform a broad range of molecular biology / biochemical laboratory work in an interdisciplinary, academic environment. You will become part of a vibrant group of young researchers consisting of master's students, PhD students, postdocs and other technicians in the Living Systems Center. We work together to understand living systems at different scales; from single molecules to cells and even multicellular systems such as organoids and whole organisms.

This position is associated with the Physics of Behavior group. This group investigates how cells (such as E. coli bacteria) and mutlicellular organisms (such as symbiotic mycorrhizal fungi) perceive their environment and control their behavior, using microscopy, genetics, and increasingly robotics / machine learning.

Your main duties will be:

• Performing molecular biology techniques, such as PCR, DNA isolation, sequence analysis and cloning;
• Strain construction in bacteria (E. coli) using homologous recombination techniques;
• Growth and maintenance of biological samples (especially plant-mycorrhizal symbiotic cultures) for robotic experiments;
• Developing, and maintaining a biological sample database for robotic experiments;
• Monitoring and management tasks associated with biological data production in the group;

Carrying out general lab work and organization, together with the bio-technician team, such as cell culture, cloning, etc.; advising lab users on safe working practices in collaboration with the biological safety officer (BVF), and organizing the lab stock.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position:

• Has an applied science degree/vocational training (equivalent to Dutch HLO), or related training;
• Has advanced knowledge of molecular biological techniques and experience with wet lab work;
• Has a strong affinity also for management of biological data;
• Is practical and experienced with one or more of the techniques listed above (under main duties);
• Enjoys trouble-shooting protocols and learning new techniques;
• Competently manages multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Works independently, shows initiative and is a team player.
• Can maintain an overview of multiple assignments simultaneously;
• Is an excellent communicator proficient in the English language and at least basic knowledge of the Dutch language;

Desirable : more than 5 years of work experience in a biological laboratory, practical with chromosomal genetics in bacteria (E. coli), and experience managing laboratory databases (for samples, experiments, etc.).

Work environment
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Within the Living Systems Center of the NWO Institute AMOLF, four research groups work closely together on fundamental research into the functions of molecular to cellular systems and multi-cellular organisms.

In this position, you will become part of a team of four bio technicians supporting the four groups and you will be linked to the Physics of Behavior group.

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is for - 40 hours per week and an employment contract for two years, with the intention of subsequently offering permanent employment.
• Salary is on scale 7 or 8, with a maximum of € 4.634,00 gross per month (depending on your education and experience), plus a holiday allowance and end-of-year bonus.
• Our excellent fringe benefits can be consulted here. On-the-job training and study facilities are self-evident.

More information?
More information about the position can be obtained from;

Prof. Dr. Tom Shimizu

Group Leader Physics of Behavior

Email: shimizu@amolf.nl

Application
Does this job seem like something for you? Then apply before January 23, 2026 using the button below.

Online screening may be part of the application process.

AMOLF attaches great importance to an inclusive and diverse work environment. Therefore, we warmly encourage candidates from any background to apply.

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

Laboratoriumassistent

Work Activities
Als laboratoriumassistent in de Living Systems Center, werk je als lid van een team van technici in een interdisciplinaire academische omgeving en zal je veelzijdig moleculairbiologisch laboratoriumwerk uitvoeren. Je wordt deel van de levendige groep van jonge onderzoekers, bestaande uit PhD- en masterstudenten, postdocs en technici in het Living Systems Center. We werken samen om met nieuwe experimenten levende systemen op vele schalen te begrijpen: van enkele moleculen tot cellen, van meercellige systemen zoals organoïden tot het gedrag van hele organismen.

Deze positie is gekoppeld aan de groep Physics of Behavior: deze groep doet onderzoek naar hoe cellen (e.g. E. coli bacteria) en organismen (e.g. symbiotische mycorrhiza-schimmels) hun omgeving waarnemen en hun gedrag beheersen, met microscopie, genetica, en steeds meer robotica / machine learning.

Je voornaamste taken zullen zijn, het:

• Uitvoeren van moleculairbiologische technieken, zoals PCR, DNA-isolatie en -analyse en cloneren;
• Stamconstructie in bacteriën (E. coli) met technieken zoals homologe recombinatietechnieken;
• Het kweken en onderhouden van biologische samples (met name plant-mycorrhiza-symbiotische culturen) voor robotexperimenten;
• Het ontwikkelen en onderhouden van een database met biologische samples voor robotexperimenten;
• Monitoring en beheertaken met betrekking tot de productie van biologische gegevens binnen de groep;
• Uitvoeren van algemene labwerkzaamheden en –organisatie, samen met het bio-technici team, zoals celkweek, klonen etc.; het adviseren van de lab gebruikers over veilig werken in samenwerking met de biologische velligheidsfunctionaris (BVF), en het organiseren van de lab voorraad.

Qualifications
De ideale kandidaat voor deze functie:

• Heeft een afgeronde opleiding HLO, of gelijkwaardig hieraan;
• Heeft geavanceerde kennis van moleculair-biologische technieken en ervaring met laboratoriumwerk;
• Heeft ook een sterke affiniteit met het beheren van biologische gegevens;
• Is praktisch ingesteld en ervaren met een of meer van het uitvoeren van genoemde technieken;
• Kan het overzicht over meerdere opdrachten tegelijk bewaren.
• Is flexibel, enthousiast, toont initiatief en werkt zelfstandig;
• Heeft goede sociale en communicatieve eigenschappen;
• Is een uitstekende communicator met beheersing van de Engelse taal en ten minste basiskennis van de Nederlandse taal;
• Gewenst: meer dan 5 jaar werkervaring in een biologisch laboratorium, praktisch ingesteld met chromosomale genetica in bacteriën (E. coli), en ervaring met het beheren van laboratoriumdatabases (voor samples, experimenten, enz.)..

Work environment
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Working conditions

• De sfeer op het Instituut wordt in hoge mate bepaald door jonge, enthousiaste medewerkers. De communicatie is informeel en verloopt via korte lijnen.
• De secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden zijn uitstekend. Training on the job en studiefaciliteiten zijn vanzelfsprekend.
• Inschaling vindt, afhankelijk van relevante kennis en ervaring, plaats in schaal 7 of 8 ; maximaal € 4.634,= bruto per jaar.
• Het betreft een voltijds dienstverband van twee jaar met de intentie van een aansluitend vast dienstverband.

More information?
Meer informatie over deze functie kan je primair inwinnen bij;

Prof. Dr. Tom Shimizu

Group Leader Physics of Behavior

Email: shimizu@amolf.nl

Application
Lijkt deze baan iets voor jou? Solliciteer dan vóór 23 januari 2026 via onderstaande knop.

Online screening kan deel uitmaken van de sollicitatieprocedure.

Acquisitie n.a.v. deze advertentie wordt niet op prijs gesteld.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

PhD-position: Next-generation optomechanical sensing

Work Activities
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on cutting-edge optomechanical sensors. The project is part of a close collaboration between the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, led by Ewold Verhagen, and the group of Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft. They are participating in QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners. The project is partly carried out at the QSTeM laboratory in Delft and at the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam.

Mechanical resonators can serve as exquisite sensors for a wide range of signals such as accelerations and electromagnetic fields, with applications ranging from industrial process control and biomedicine to inertial navigation. This project seeks to develop novel sensors with high sensitivity and reliability, incorporating ultralow-dissipation resonators and quantum-limited optical measurement and control techniques. While the project takes an application-oriented approach, we are always fascinated by the fundamental physics aspects of advanced sensor technology. The project is at the interface of multiple fields: nano-engineering, optomechanics, and quantum technology. It has a highly experimental character but features strong ties to the theoretical background of the field.

You will be part of the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, embedded in a rich research environment studying various topics within nanophotonics and nanomechanics. Prof. Ewold Verhagen will serve as your primary PhD advisor. At the same time, you will work closely with the other researchers in the QSTeM team; a highly interdisciplinary and international setting that brings together academic teams and industrial partners.

We offer an open and collaborative environment in which we focus on hands-on learning and personal growth of all group members. We are looking for excited and talented students, who are eager to develop new skills and engage new experimental and theoretical challenges. During your PhD, you will learn and employ all aspects of research on optomechanical sensors: from conceptual design and modelling to nanofabrication in the cleanroom, and from high-precision optical interferometry to writing papers and presenting your results at international conferences.

Please send your application at the latest by January 2, 2026.

Qualifications
We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics or engineering, with relevant experience (preferably in quantum optics, photonics, (nano)mechanics or general AMO physics). You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment
The Photonic Forces team led by prof. Ewold Verhagen studies nanophotonics and nanomechanics. We investigate the fundamental physics associated with photon-phonon interactions in nanostructured devices, as well as the applications they allow. In particular, we explore new ways to measure and control mechanical motion down to the quantum level in optomechanical systems and develop novel sensor technology. All projects in the group involve the use and development of advanced optical measurement techniques and nanofabrication, with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF technical staff. This project is partly carried out at the QSTeM lab in Delft, in close collaboration with the other team members there. We have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where passion and enjoyment of science can shine. For more information, see www.optomechanics.nl and www.amolf.nl.

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.968 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at Eindhoven University of Technology.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
Prof.dr. Ewold Verhagen
Group leader Photonic Forces
E-mail: verhagen@amolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Please annex your:

• Resume;
• Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. This means that we will only consider your application if it entails your motivation letter.

The application deadline closes on January 2, 2026.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

PhD-position: Next-generation optomechanical sensing

Work Activities
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to work on cutting-edge optomechanical sensors. The project is part of a close collaboration between the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, led by Ewold Verhagen, and the group of Simon Gröblacher at TU Delft. They are participating in QSTeM, a recently established Testbed for mechanical sensing, where novel sensors are designed, benchmarked, and developed with both academic and industrial partners. The project is partly carried out at the QSTeM laboratory in Delft and at the AMOLF institute in Amsterdam.

Mechanical resonators can serve as exquisite sensors for a wide range of signals such as accelerations and electromagnetic fields, with applications ranging from industrial process control and biomedicine to inertial navigation. This project seeks to develop novel sensors with high sensitivity and reliability, incorporating ultralow-dissipation resonators and quantum-limited optical measurement and control techniques. While the project takes an application-oriented approach, we are always fascinated by the fundamental physics aspects of advanced sensor technology. The project is at the interface of multiple fields: nano-engineering, optomechanics, and quantum technology. It has a highly experimental character but features strong ties to the theoretical background of the field.

You will be part of the Photonic Forces group at AMOLF, embedded in a rich research environment studying various topics within nanophotonics and nanomechanics. Prof. Ewold Verhagen will serve as your primary PhD advisor. At the same time, you will work closely with the other researchers in the QSTeM team; a highly interdisciplinary and international setting that brings together academic teams and industrial partners.

We offer an open and collaborative environment in which we focus on hands-on learning and personal growth of all group members. We are looking for excited and talented students, who are eager to develop new skills and engage new experimental and theoretical challenges. During your PhD, you will learn and employ all aspects of research on optomechanical sensors: from conceptual design and modelling to nanofabrication in the cleanroom, and from high-precision optical interferometry to writing papers and presenting your results at international conferences.

Please send your application at the latest by January 2, 2026.

Qualifications
We seek an excellent candidate with a background in physics or engineering, with relevant experience (preferably in quantum optics, photonics, (nano)mechanics or general AMO physics). You will need to meet the requirements for an MSc-degree, to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse workplace, and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Work environment
The Photonic Forces team led by prof. Ewold Verhagen studies nanophotonics and nanomechanics. We investigate the fundamental physics associated with photon-phonon interactions in nanostructured devices, as well as the applications they allow. In particular, we explore new ways to measure and control mechanical motion down to the quantum level in optomechanical systems and develop novel sensor technology. All projects in the group involve the use and development of advanced optical measurement techniques and nanofabrication, with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF technical staff. This project is partly carried out at the QSTeM lab in Delft, in close collaboration with the other team members there. We have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive environment where passion and enjoyment of science can shine. For more information, see www.optomechanics.nl and www.amolf.nl.

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.968 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at Eindhoven University of Technology.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
Prof.dr. Ewold Verhagen
Group leader Photonic Forces
E-mail: verhagen@amolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Please annex your:

• Resume;
• Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. This means that we will only consider your application if it entails your motivation letter.

The application deadline closes on January 2, 2026.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

(Senior) Software Engineer

Work Activities
AMOLF en het Advanced Research Center for Nano-Lithography (ARCNL) verrichten wetenschappelijk onderzoek met circa 100 experimentele opstellingen, die door mechanici, elektronici en software engineers in samenwerking met wetenschappers worden ontwikkeld en onderhouden. Samen zorgen wij voor grensverleggende techniek waarmee toponderzoek wordt verricht. Voor dit voornamelijk projectmatig werk in multidisciplinaire teams zoeken wij een senior software engineer.

Je ontwikkelt unieke software voor experimentele onderzoeksopstellingen. Hierbij ligt de nadruk op aansturing van apparatuur (lasers, motoren), vergaring van data (camera's, detectoren, sensoren) en weergave en opslag van de onderzoeksgegevens. Als (senior) software engineer ontwikkel je applicaties voor de .NET omgeving, gebruikmakend van de programmeertaal C# op het Windows platform. Je ontwerpt, realiseert en test de software gebruikmakend van moderne technieken en tools. Je volgt de ontwikkelingen binnen software engineering en adviseert wetenschappelijk onderzoekers bij hun software activiteiten.

Qualifications
De ideale kandidaat voor deze functie:

• Heeft HBO werk- en denkniveau op het gebied van software engineering;
• Heeft ruime ervaring met het zelfstandig ontwikkelen van applicaties in C# met Visual Studio;
• Verkent graag de grenzen van het vakgebied;
• Heeft basiskennis van elektronica, wiskunde en natuurkunde;
• Werkt zelfstandig, toont initiatief en heeft teamgeest;
• Beheerst de Nederlandse en Engelse taal goed, de voertaal op de afdeling Software Engineering is Nederlands.

Ervaring met Python en/of het aansturen van hardware is een pré.

De kandidaat vindt het leuk om zich te verdiepen in de bestaande software-architectuur en die uit te breiden en te verbeteren in overleg met de afdeling. Tevens vindt de kandidaat het leuk om zelfstandig te werken aan diverse software applicaties voor de onderzoeksgroepen van AMOLF en ARCNL.

Work environment
De afdeling Software Engineering ondersteunt twee onderzoeksorganisaties; AMOLF en ARCNL. Bij deze organisaties op het Amsterdam Science Park werken in totaal circa 240 onderzoekers en 80 ondersteunende medewerkers.

AMOLF initieert en verricht toonaangevend fundamenteel onderzoek aan nieuwe, strategisch belangrijke complexe molecuul- en materiaalsystemen, in samenwerking met de Nederlandse universiteiten en industrie. Zie ook www.amolf.nl.

Het Advanced Research Center for Nano-Lithography (ARCNL) verricht fundamenteel onderzoek aan de fysica en technologie van nano-lithografie, in het bijzonder voor toepassing in de halfgeleiderindustrie. Het ARCNL is een publiek-private samenwerking tussen ASML en meerdere kennisinstellingen. Zie ook www.arcnl.nl.

De applicaties die je op de afdeling Software Engineering ontwikkelt hebben een gezamenlijke code base die in eigen beheer is en regelmatig wordt bijgewerkt naar de laatste standaarden en versies. Er is veel vrijheid om nieuwe technieken en standaarden voor te stellen en te testen. Verder hebben medewerkers op de afdeling hebben een vaste werkplek en een eigen PC of laptop. In overleg is deels thuiswerken mogelijk.

Working conditions
De werksfeer wordt in hoge mate bepaald door jonge, enthousiaste, veelal buitenlandse medewerkers. De communicatie is informeel en verloopt via korte lijnen. De secundaire arbeidsvoorwaarden zijn uitstekend. Training on the job en studiefaciliteiten zijn vanzelfsprekend. Inschaling vindt, afhankelijk van relevante kennis en ervaring, plaats in schaal 8 of 9; maximaal € 5.241 bruto per maand (excl. vakantiegeld en eindejaarsuitkering) bij een fulltime dienstverband. Het betreft een dienstverband van twee jaar voor 32 tot 40 uur, met de intentie van een aansluitend vast dienstverband.

More information?
Voor meer informatie:

ir. Ivo Klinkert

Hoofd Software Engineering groep

E-mail: i.klinkert@amolf.nl

Application
Heb je interesse in deze functie reageer dan vóór 1 december 2025 en solliciteer via onderstaande knop.

Online screening en een praktijktest kunnen deel uitmaken van de selectieprocedure.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.