Job Netherlands Organisation Scientific Research - Two Instrument Scientists SRON

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 1.5 – 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 receiver systems for the frequencies beyond 2 THz for future space missions, and also for balloon and airborne heterodyne instruments.

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 two post-doc level research positions available  two instrument scientists, vacancy no. 10-02 (pos.1) and 10-03 (pos.2).

 In position 1 you will work on the microwave and optical aspects of the HEB receivers, including design, construction, tests, and analysis of detector and detector circuits. The activities are performed at SRON-Groningen, in close collaboration with the staff of SRON’s Low Energy Astrophysics division.  

For position 2 the main task is to characterize and further develop THz quantum cascade lasers as local oscillator for real receiver systems. This includes frequency tuning and frequency/phase locking of a THz quantum cascade laser, and the optimisation of the far field beam. You will work for SRON, but your daily work will be performed at Kavli Institute for Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology, Delft.

 You are asked to maintain a balance between the application-driven development of a HEB detector with good performance, respectively a quantum cascade laser, 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/or THz sources
• 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-Utrecht is by NWO (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research) and will be for a period of 2 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:

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

Excellence and innovation. These form the focus of The Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)’s policy for the future of science in the Netherlands. NWO is developing and financing top-quality research programmes in partnership with scientists, national and international scientific organisations and commercial enterprises. NWO grants finance the work of more than 4300 researches at universities, research organisations and NWO institutes.

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.

For further information please contact Dr. J.R. Gao (j.r.gao@tudelft.nl, telephone 015-2781370), or Dr. H.F.C. Hoevers (telephone 088 777 5676). More information about SRON can be found on the Internet: www.sron.nl.