KWR Water Research Institute
Safe and clean drinking water is a great thing. As an internationally-renowned research institute, KWR contributes to the provision of such water through the conduct of applied scientific research related to the water cycle. Bridging science to practice is our mission. Our 180 staff members work, within the framework of three research groups, on innovative projects in the Netherlands and, increasingly, elsewhere in Europe and beyond. Our shareholders are the ten Dutch water utilities and the Belgian De Watergroep.
The team
The Drinking Water Infrastructure team comprises 10 specialists from widely varying fields of expertise. Our world is made up of challenging projects regarding drinking water quality and quantity, and the condition of water mains. We pursue three lines of research for the determination of the condition of drinking water mains, namely, data provision, data analytics (analysing failures for instance), and materials research. Our ultimate objective is to support water utilities in the intelligent and sustainable investment in the mains network, while providing optimal supply assurance and water quality at the tap. We do this under the motto: ‘generating knowledge from data, with an understanding of content’. One example of this is USTORE, a data base in which we collect distribution network failure data in order to derive general knowledge-based rules for the distribution network.
You will find information about the team members here: https://www.kwrwater.nl/experts-expertises/expertises/waterinfrastructuur/#. The team is currently looking for an enthusiastic and inventive Water Infrastructure Researcher. The person could be a materials engineer who has an interest in modelling, or a civil engineer with an interest in mains infrastructure/materials/modelling.
The position
As Water Infrastructure Researcher you carry out a wide range of research projects in the field of mains networks, such as modelling for water quality, water allocation, transport, asset management and materials degradation. You apply the knowledge and, working with your colleagues, you develop new tools – models, analytical methods – to enable water utilities to achieve and maintain optimal water quality in the mains network, as well as a sustainable water provision.
You identify market opportunities and bottlenecks, and you develop a coherent picture of the complex, underlying processes. Since you also support the water utilities during the implementation phase, you have a direct view of the impact of your research. You are moreover part of a national and international network that is active in this field.
The profile
You are an enthusiastic and results-driven person. You are innovative, client-oriented and good at planning and organising your work. You also enjoy translating complex scientific information into practical applications, and embedding new knowledge within water utilities.
In addition:
- you have completed a technical academic education, for instance in reliability engineering, physics or civil engineering;
- you have built up relevant professional experience in a research environment, in the drinking water sector or in the business world;
- you have good communication skills, you are energised by collaborative work, you are client-oriented and capable of sharing knowledge through clear reports and presentations;
- you have proven experience in the independent acquisition of projects;
- you are driven to achieve results; and
- you have an excellent command of written and spoken Dutch and English.
Our offer
We offer you a challenging and varied position, in which you will work with an enthusiastic, informal team, where you will be offered room for your own initiatives and be able to work on your own ideas. We attach great importance to personal growth and career development, and we provide numerous possibilities to these ends. A good work-life balance is a priority for us. KWR has excellent primary and secondary employment conditions, and is a party to the Water Utilities’ Collective Agreement (Flexible Employment Conditions Budget, ABP Pension).
Are you the driven researcher who wants to work with us in achieving a sustainable society?
If so, then please e-mail your letter of application and CV to [email protected] as soon as possible before the deadline of 30 April 2021, stating the vacancy number: 1170010.
More information
For substantive information about the position, please contact Petra Holzhaus (Water Infrastructure team leader) at 030-606 9687 or [email protected]. For further information about the application procedure, please contact José van Lieshout (HR Consultant) at 030-6069536 or [email protected]
