Research Team: Sample processing assistant

Job description

The research team at The Ocean Cleanup aims at refining their understanding of the sources, transport, and fate of ocean plastics. An important research aspect is to understand the formation of hotspots of plastic and marine life in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.

To this end, our research team is  conducting research on the spatiotemporal distribution of floating plastic debris and neuston in the North Pacific Ocean. You will be responsible for the analysis of trawl samples collected from the Great Pacific
Garbage Patch in our laboratory in Rotterdam. Ultimately, your results will be applied to increase the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of our offshore cleanup.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for analysis of Manta trawl samples in the laboratory in Rotterdam and
delivering high quality data on the amount and type of plastics and marine life present in these samples.

Other responsibilities include:

• Familiarize yourself with the different techniques used to extract and analyse plastics from trawl samples 
• Use Raman Spectroscopy to identify the polymer types of the extracted plastics
• Collect quantative data on the marine organisms present in the trawls samples 

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Curious, creative, and determined to deliver
• Flexible team player
• Ability to work independently
• Strong organizational skills
• Intrinsic motivation to work on our ambitious and meaningful goal