ISME is looking for a motivated and flexible Events Assistant to support the organisation of ISME20. This temporary role is ideal for recent graduates seeking hands-on experience in an international setting.
What you will be doing
You will be working for the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) which is located Wageningen. To help with the day-to-day administrative tasks for the symposium and the society, we are looking for a motivated colleague. You will carry out various related tasks such as dealing with the conference registrations, editing abstracts for the scientific program, correspondence with delegates, membership administration, dealing with distributors, and handling (part of) the social media.
What you will be contributing
You work together with the Events Coordinator and the Executive Office, while being:
- A team player
- Someone who is easy-going and proactive
- Someone who can still function with a smile when the work gets busy
- A person who can be pragmatic but also creative in solutions
Your qualifications for the job
- Fluent in English (speaking and writing);
- A solid understanding of the Dutch language (speaking and writing);
- Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Adobe design programs and Social Media tools;
- Education and/or work experience in administrative work, or you have a life sciences degree and are interested in working on the administrative side of the field.
Other required skills:
- A positive and representative attitude
- Flexibility in work hours is necessary
- The possibility to travel abroad on occasion.
What we are offering
The opportunity to work for an international society, to learn about the various facets of organising an event abroad and to work onsite in New Zealand for one and a half weeks in August 2026.
The job is max 30hrs per week, but we expect you to attend and work full-time in the run-up and during the symposium. The position will be for 8 months.
Please note that applicants must be eligible to work in the Netherlands, as ISME is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas.
For more information
Questions can be sent to office@isme-microbes.org with the subject header:
Job Advert ISME, Attn: Linda Scholten, Executive Director
Application procedure
Deadline for the application is 15 February 2026. Please send your application to office@isme-microbes.org. Interviews will take place in the last two weeks of February 2026. Starting date: 1 March 2026.
International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME) is an international association in the field of microbial ecology and is located in Wageningen. ISME is a non-profit and has a charitable status. We connect ecologists, provide platforms & information, organize events and publish the latest science in the field in the ISME Publications. Our biennial international symposia attract 1500- 2500 delegates representing 50+ countries. The 20th edition of the International Symposium for Microbial Ecology (ISME20) will be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from 16 – 21 August 2026. Learn more about ISME at www.isme-microbes.org.