Sustainable Laboratories Volunteer

8-16 hours a week - Start: February 2023

Laboratories are more energy-intensive and generate more emission and waste than offices at universities, with an estimated energy consumption 4-10 times higher than regular office spaces, and 3-4 times more waste producing. To involve laboratories in Utrecht University’s plan to become CO2-neutral and zero-waste by 2030, efforts are already being made by the Faculty of Geosciences. To share lessons learned, inspire others and accelerate the process, the Green Office is looking for a motivated candidate to advance Sustainable Laboratories. You will work closely with the sustainable lab coordinator of Geosciences and with the lab users of the faculty.

What do we offer?

• A unique and dynamic working experience in advancing pioneering efforts of sustainable research laboratories at Utrecht University
• Hands on experience in diverse topics of sustainability: most notably, emission reduction and circularity 
• Room for growth and development
• Access to a large network of students, academics, employees, professionals within and outside the University
• A fee of 150 euro’s a month
•  Een unieke en dynamische werkervaring in het bevorderen van pionierswerk van duurzame onderzoekslaboratoria aan de Universiteit Utrecht

Your job profile

• Conduct desk research on diverse topics of lab sustainability and translate into actionable recommendations
• Work closely with the sustainable lab staff of a faculty to explore the possibilities to make labs more sustainable, and tag along with the LEAF program (see more detail on LEAF website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/sustainable/make-your-lab-sustainable-leaf)
• Gathering knowledge, editing it into a handy manual of best practices and share the knowledge to help build the foundations for a wider network for sustainable labs in the university
• This is an explorative position requiring flexibility and adaptation as the requirements and needs might develop over time  

Who are you?

• Demonstrated knowledge and/or practical experience in sustainability is a plus.
• You preferably have some experience in and/or knowledge of laboratory work and are willing to learn the emerging field of lab sustainability.
• Having a bachelor’s degree is a plus.
• You work well with others, in dynamic and diverse settings and are an independent self-learner.
• You are an analytical thinker and have good writing skills in English and/or Dutch.
• You work proactive with a “can-do” mentality and are an active listener

The Green Office Utrecht University

The Green Office is the platform for students and employees of Utrecht University where sustainable ideas are shaped, plans are put together and projects are launched, all with the objective to make the university more sustainable. We also raise awareness about sustainable solutions and UU ambitions among students and staff and support sustainability projects from within our university community.