You and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research
SRON is the Netherlands Institute for Space Research, where we combine a high level of space science with development and engineering of the next generation space instruments. SRON’s Technology Science Group develops highly sensitive cryogenic detectors for Far-Infrared radiation (20 μm to 3 mm wavelength). This is done in strong collaboration with the Experimental Astronomy group in TU Delft. Your work will be located both in SRON and the faculty of EEMCS at the TU Delft.

Your project
Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors (MKIDs) are superconducting pair breaking detectors which are so sensitive that they are now adopted as the baseline detector for future space-based observatories with a sensitivity only limited by the universe background. The MKIDs developed in our group are the world’s most sensitive. As a direct result we collaborate with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to develop detectors for the next generation space telescope: This will be a telescope with cryogenically cooled optics targeting the unexplored wavelength range between 24 μm and 200 μm. The projected launch date will be around 2033. The coming 2-3 years are critical in reaching the required detector maturity to allow for a favourable selection.

Your goal will be to further the understanding of the device physics and to increase the detector yield in large arrays with unprecedented sensitivity. It is essential to understand how the exact details of the device fabrication impacts the detector performance. The fabrication will be done by dedicated personnel, your role will be focusing on device characterization and data analysis in our lab in Leiden.

You will be embedded in a small, focused team of scientists, nano-technology developers, engineering specialists and radiation coupling specialists led by prof. Jochem Baselmans, located in SRON Leiden, TU Delft and SRON Groningen.

We are looking for a candidate with a Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field, with a strong interest in astronomical instrumentation. Experience with superconducting resonators, superconducting Qubits or superconducting detectors is considered an advantage.

Fixed-term contract: 12 months with option for extension to a max of 2 years.

The position we offer at SRON is a full-time position where you will be employed by NWO-I for a period of 12 months. This will be extended to 2 years after 12 months on good performance. The salary is in accordance with salary scale 10 with a maximum of  € 5.141,– gross per month or salary scale 11 with a maximum of € 6.002,– gross per month on a full-time basis (depending on education and experience).

NWO has good secondary employment conditions such as:

• An end of year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
• 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;
• Ample training opportunities;
• Possibility of flexible working hours;

SRON institute for space research

SRON's mission is to achieve breakthroughs in international scientific research from space. To this end, SRON develops groundbreaking technology and advanced space instruments. SRON promotes societal applications for space technology. We have a strong international reputation as 'excellent in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’.

SRON is the Netherlands Institute for Space Research. Based at locations in Leiden and Groningen, SRON combines fundamental scientific research, technology innovation, and instrumentation development to enable breakthroughs in astrophysics, exoplanet research, and earth atmospheric research from space. In partnership with leading international partners and space agencies such as ESA, NASA and JAXA, SRON provides scientific and technological contributions to international space missions as well as expertise and support to the Dutch and international scientific communities.

SRON is the national base for the Netherlands participation in the ESA science program. On the national level, it works in close collaboration with the Dutch universities, other NWO institutes, and governmental agencies to pursue a cohesive agenda for space-based research.

For more information, please contact
More information about SRON can be found at www.sron.nl. For further information about the content of the position, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Jochem Baselmans (J.Baselmans@sron.nl). Applications can be submitted through our website www.werkenbijSRON.nl until the position is filled.