The Organisation

Nikhef is the national institute for subatomic physics in The Netherlands. At Nikhef, approximately 175 physicists and 75 technical staff members work together in an open and international scientific environment. Together, they perform theoretical and experimental research in the fields of particle and astroparticle physics. The Nikhef institute is a collaboration between six major Dutch universities and the Dutch Research Council (NWO).

Nikhef participates in large research collaborations, such as at the Large Hadron Collider at CERN, and in experiments in the research fields of gravitational waves, cosmic rays and astroparticle physics. Knowledge and technology transfer to third parties, i.e. industry, society and the general public, is an integral part of Nikhef’s mission. Nikhef has its own state-of-the-art data centre for external customers and scientific researchers.

The Challenge

The software engineering group of the Computer Technology department develops software for the read-out and controls of particle-detector systems that are used in the experiments in which Nikhef participates. The software engineers work closely together with engineers from the Electronics Technology department and scientists. 

We are looking for a software engineer for the development and maintenance of controls and read-out software. You will work in a dynamic, international and technically challenging scientific environment. Regular travel to experiment sites such as CERN is part of the job.

Your main tasks include:

• Development of new controls software using the SCADA system WinCC.
• Maintenance of existing control systems that have been deployed in experiments.
• Interaction with electronics engineers and scientists to define software requirements and perform system tests.
• Writing documentation about the design and usage of the control software.

Requirements

The successful candidate has experience in software development and process automation using SCADA systems. An open and curious attitude to learning and applying new technologies is a must. The candidate must be able to work both independently and as a team member, and must be fluent in English, both speaking and writing. Knowledge of Dutch is an advantage but not essential. Regular trips to experiment sites to install or maintain systems is an integral part of the job.

Necessary technical knowledge and experience include:

• Demonstrable experience with SCADA systems. Experience with WinCC is a pre.
• Good knowledge of programming languages like Java, C and C++, as well as scripting languages like Python, Perl or Bash.
• Experience using and deploying software on Linux systems.
• Experience working with process automation and sensor or control buses. Experience with the OPC-UA concept is a pre.
• A bachelor degree in a computer science, engineering or physics.

The candidate will initially be employed by the NWO-I foundation in a temporary position, with the perspective for a permanent position. The gross monthly salary depends on the level of education and working experience and will be between €2.736,= and €5.064,= excluding the excellent secondary benefits comprising a 13th monthly salary per year, participation in the ABP pension fund and about 8(!) weeks per year paid holiday leave. The full conditions of employment are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centers (CAO-Onderzoeksinstellingen), which can be found on the website of NWO-I: www.nwo-i.nl.

Information & Application:
If you have questions concerning this position, please contact Ronald Starink (tel. +31205922271 or send an e-mail to: vacancies-ct@nikhef.nl).

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the 'apply now' button below. Please be prepared to upload a detailed resume and motivation letter no later than November 1st, 2019.

We only accept applications submitted directly via the candidates.  We also respectfully request unqualified candidates to refrain from submitting an application.