Job The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) - Instrument Scientist C

Specialists from various disciplines work together at SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research to push back the frontiers of technology and with this to advance the boundaries of scientific knowledge. SRON is considered to be a global leader in the area of earth and space science, due to the space instruments it develops for the satellites of ESA, NASA and JAXA.

 SRON has a prominent track record in the developments of sub-mm and Far-Infrared detector technology and space instruments. SRON, as the PI institute, has built the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far Infrared on the Herschel Space Observatory. The division Sensor Research and Technology of SRON collaborates with the research group on the Physics of Nano Electronics, Kavli Institute of NanoScience, Delft University of Technology. In this cooperation, heterodyne detector technology for radiation detection in the 1.4 – 6.0 THz frequency range has been demonstrated. The detection is based on superconducting hot electron bolometer (HEB) mixers. In combination with novel quantum cascade lasers as local oscillator, our current research aims to demonstrate practical HEB array receivers for the frequency of 4.7 THz for a balloon (NASA GUSSTO) and airborne (SOFIA), heterodyne instruments, and for future space missions.

We also have a collaboration program with a Chinese Research Institute (Purple Mountain Observatory, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China) to develop HEB mixers for astronomical and atmospheric applications. Funded by an NWO-China program for these research activities we have a post-doc level research position available.

You will work on the development of superconducting hot electron bolometer mixing detectors, including the design, fabrication, tests, and analysis of detector and detector circuits. Your location is the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience (the group of Prof. T. M. Klapwijk) at Delft University of Technology. You will work in collaboration with a team member located at SRON's Low Energy Astrophysics division in Groningen.

 You are asked to maintain a balance between the application-driven development of a HEB detector with good performance, and fundamental understanding of the physics. You have to devote a fraction of your time communicating with collaborators from foreign institutes working in this field. You also have to spend a short period of your time at Purple Mountain Observatory, China, to perform joint research work. 

• PhD in experimental physics or electrical engineering;
• Experience with superconductivity and/or superconducting detectors and the fabrication;
• Interest in development of scientific instruments;
• You have a self-organizing work-style;
• You are a good team player;
• You have good communicative skills.

Employment of this full-time position at SRON is by NWO (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) and will be for a period of 1,5 years. The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO scale 10 with a maximum of € 3766,-- gross per month on a full-time basis.

NWO has good secondary employment conditions such as:

1. An end of year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
2. At least 42 days of vacation leave a year on full-time basis;
3. An excellent pension scheme;
4. Options for (additional) personal development;
5. Excellent facilities for parental leave;
6. A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary.

NWO is the most prominent financier of science in the Netherlands. Its task is to facilitate excellence in Dutch scientific research through national competition. NWO grants subsidies to the amount of approximately 700 million Euros per annum for cutting-edge research and top researchers, for innovative instruments and equipment, and for top research institutes. NWO finances the research projects of thousands of talented scientists at universities and institutes. Independent experts carry out peer review selection. NWO fosters the transfer of knowledge to society.

Sensor Research and Technology The division Sensor Research and Technology (SR&T) develops world-class enabling technology for SRON’s programs on high and low energy astrophysics and earth and planetary science. Aiming for scientific and technical excellence, the enabling technology is a strategic tool for SRON in the creation and optimal use of space flight opportunities. SRON has an in-house cleanroom and ample cryogenic test facilities for efficient research with a short turn-around time. The activities of the division also include work on demonstrator instruments as a stepping stone towards technology readiness for a final instrument. The development programs are performed in close cooperation with other research institutes (worldwide) in order to share, or jointly develop, specific expertise.

For further information please contact Dr. J.R. Gao on 015-2781370), or Dr. H.F.C. Hoevers on 088-7775676). More information about SRON can be found on the Internet: www.sron.nl.