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The Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) department for Ocean Systems (OCS) is looking for a Head of the Analytical Laboratories / Specialist in Isotope Geochemistry. This leadership role requires a hands-on scientist with experience in analyses of (metal/inorganic) stable isotopes and their application in marine sciences. The candidate preferably possesses proven expertise in the operation and method development of MC-ICP-MS, combining laboratory leadership with a strong technical component as the primary operator of our MC-ICP-MS (Thermo Scientific Neptune Plus). The laboratories are equipped with for instance state-of-the-art clean lab facilities, a laser ablation system, SF-ICP-MS, Q-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS (Neptune Plus). The role presents a unique opportunity to lead within a diverse research environment, where you can contribute to existing research and initiate new lines of research. Potential research lines using the MC-ICP-MS include, but are not limited to, the reconstruction of past p CO2 levels using B-isotopes, the reconstruction of paleo redox conditions using Mo and U isotopes, biomineralization using Mg isotopes, and sediment dating using U/Th, and sea water nutrient cycling using Fe and Zn isotopes.   THE INSTITUTE NWO-NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research is the national oceanographic research institute. The mission of NIOZ is to perform academically excellent multidisciplinary fundamental and frontier-applied marine research addressing important scientific and societal questions pertinent to the functioning of oceans and seas. NIOZ also serves as national marine research facilitator (NMF) for the Netherlands scientific community, and stimulates and supports national and international marine research, marine education programs and marine policy development.   THE DEPARTMENT In the department of Ocean Systems (OCS) we study the role of the ocean in a changing climate, from the equator to the poles, from the continental shelf to the deep ocean and from the past to the present. The ocean is Earth’s largest reservoir of CO2 and heat and therefore ocean circulation, mixing, biogeochemical cycling and other processes strongly impact global climate. In turn, the ocean is changing rapidly because of (human) stressors, creating complex feedback loops. Furthermore, seafloor sediments have recorded past changes in conditions on land and in the ocean, in the form of biological residues or physical and chemical signals, which allow us to reconstruct feedback between oceanic processes and (past) climate. A key aspect of research at OCS are sea-going expeditions during which data and samples are collected from the water column and the seafloor. The samples are analyzed in on-board and onshore laboratories, and we have collected a large amount of information and samples over the past decades. Our technical and scientific staff is international and diverse, comprising approximately 50 members, including PhD students, postdocs, and Master's students from around the world.   THE VACANCY As Head of Laboratory , you will be responsible for daily operations in the OCS laboratories and serve as the primary operator and technical lead for the MC-ICP-MS. You will be responsible for method development, instrument maintenance, user support, and data quality assurance related to the MC-ICP-MS, as well as contributing to the development of new techniques. In addition, you will serve as a liaison between the scientists and the laboratory operations when needed. The OCS department hosts: state-of-the-art laboratories focusing on both sea water and sediment chemistry, including electrochemical and spectrophotometric methods. (ICP) mass spectrometers (quadrupole and sector field single and multi-collector). sample preparation of sediments, carbonates, sea/pore water and filters, using techniques such as e.g. laser ablation, matrix removal/purification, and total dige