Team leader/project manager (Microbiological Water Quality and Health)

KWR Water Research Institute

Safe and clean drinking water is a major public good. As an internationally renowned research institute, we conduct applied scientific research relating to the water cycle to safeguard this vital asset. ‘Bridging science to practice’ is our mission. Our workforce of 180 colleagues work on innovative projects in the Netherlands and, increasingly, elsewhere in Europe and beyond. Our shareholders are the ten Dutch water companies and the Belgian water company, De Watergroep.

Coronavirus

Since February 2020, the microbiologists of KWR have been monitoring the sewage water at six wastewater treatment plants in the Netherlands to detect SARS-Cov-2 RNA. The samples that KWR collects and analyses from the sewage water help to understand the fluctuating spread of the virus among the inhabitants of a city. They are a valuable complement to numbers of registered COVID-19 patients and numbers of hospital admissions. KWR is involved in a similar study in collaboration with a large number of cities in the EU.

The team

The team conducts applied scientific research into the management and use of microbiological processes in the production, treatment and distribution of drinking water, and in surface water, water reuse, water or industry and bathing water. We work on microbiological safety and on microbiological and ecological water quality, including the determination, encouragement and use of biodiversity in order to improve water quality. KWR also has a well-equipped laboratory for this purpose.

The position

The field is a dynamic one and it requires a keen eye for opportunities in the market but also for continuity on longer-term projects. In your role as team leader/project manager, you are the unifying manager who facilitates, inspires, motivates and coaches a team of fourteen professionals and you are the link between the MT and the team. You will create team spirit and a trusting environment, and strengthen communications in the team. You ensure that the team works together smoothly and that the members of the team can contribute and use their talents in the best possible way. You will achieve this in an inspiring research environment with due regard for people, resources and funding. You are a driver of new initiatives, you are familiar with initiating new projects, and you enjoy being part of a national and international network. You will enjoy the challenge of putting the work of the team and KWR on the international map.

As a project manager, you will work with experts in the field to direct a wide range of research projects, from the early stages of formulating requests from clients into a suitable tender through to the evaluation of the results of the project with the client and project members.

Your profile

For this position, we are looking for an academic from a relevant discipline. In addition, you:

• have several years of experience in project management, acquisition and well-developed project management capabilities;
• have experience with generating new projects;
• are a good communicator who thrives on teamwork, and you are client-oriented and capable of sharing your knowledge clearly in reports and presentations;
• are driven to achieve results;
• have an excellent command of both written and spoken Dutch and English.

As team leader/project manager, it is important for you to have the following competences:

• leadership skills;
• the ability to inspire and develop others;
• the ability to communicate clearly and effectively;
• organisational awareness;
• planning and organising skills;

Our offer

We offer you a challenging and varied position in which you work with an enthusiastic, informal team. We attach great importance to personal growth and career development, and provide numerous opportunities in that respect. A good life-work balance is a priority for us. KWR also offers excellent primary and secondary employment conditions, and we are a party to the Water Companies Collective Labour Agreement (Flexible Terms and Conditions of Employment Budget, ABP pension).

Are you the expert who combines leadership with project management?

Send your CV and cover letter by email before 17 July to [email protected] stating vacancy number 1082020.

The selected candidates will be contacted about the first round of interviews as soon as possible after the closing date. A second round of interviews will then be scheduled and an assessment will be part of the procedure.

More information

For further details about the position, please contact Idsart Dijkstra (Knowledge Group Water Systems and Technology manager) on +31 (0)30- 606 9650 or by email [email protected].

For more information about the application procedure, please contact José van Lieshout, HR consultant, at [email protected]  or on +31 (0)30 – 606 9536.

Sales approaches based on this advertisement are not welcome.