Lab Assistant Position - Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry

The Biozentrum, University of Basel; Basel; On-site; CHF 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Biozentrum, University of Basel, is seeking a skilled laboratory technician to prepare samples and reference materials for nitrogen concentration and isotope analysis. You will handle microbial conversion methods and gas-purging systems, while operating and maintaining mass spectrometers and related equipment.

You will contribute to inventory management, order consumables, and work closely with the laboratory manager and the broader international team to ensure accurate, efficient workflows.

Qualifications

• Background in chemistry, environmental sciences, biology, geochemistry, or related field with practical lab experience.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks and priorities independently.
• Ability and willingness to follow detailed analytical protocols carefully and reproducibly.
• Interest in analytical instrumentation, lab methods, and quantitative data analysis; Python experience is an asset.
• Strong English communication skills; German language skills are valued but not required.

Responsibilities

• Preparation of samples and reference materials for nitrogen concentration and isotope analysis.
• Application of sample-preparation techniques such as microbial conversion methods and gas-purging systems.
• Operation, quality control, and basic maintenance of mass spectrometers and associated laboratory instrumentation.
• Maintaining laboratory organization and inventory, including ordering consumables, chemicals, and gases.
• Working closely with and assisting the laboratory manager and other members of the technical and scientific team.

Skills

Organizational skills

Task management

Protocol adherence

Data analysis

Python experience

Education

Chemistry or related field (lab experience)

Tools

Mass spectrometers

Gas-purging systems

Job description

Your position

• Preparation of samples and reference materials for nitrogen concentration and isotope analysis including analyses of compounds such as nitrous oxide and nitrate
• Application of sample-preparation techniques such as microbial conversion methods, and gas-purging systems
• Operation, quality control, and basic maintenance of mass spectrometers and associated laboratory instrumentation
• Maintaining laboratory organization and inventory, including ordering consumables, chemicals, and gases, etc.
• Working closely with, and assisting, the laboratory manager and other members of the technical and scientific team

Your profile

• A background in chemistry, environmental sciences, biology, geochemistry, or a related field, including practical laboratory experience
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage tasks and priorities independently
• The ability and willingness to follow detailed analytical protocols carefully and reproducibly
• An interest in analytical instrumentation, laboratory methods, and quantitative data analysis; experience with Python or similar tools is an asset
• Strong English communication skills; German language skills are valued but not required
• A collaborative attitude and willingness to communicate and work as part of an international team