You will be part of the Instrument Science Group where optical experts contribute to space instruments ranging from Earth Observation and Exoplanet characterization in the visible and near infrared wavelength bands, to cryogenically cooled instruments for astrophysics in the far infrared.

Project

Within the climate and air quality program of SRON, you will work on the development of novel optical instrumentation for Earth Observation. Your responsibility will be in conceptual design and (shadow engineering of) detailed design of space spectrometers and polarimeters. Furthermore you will develop test setups and perform the calibration on-ground and in-orbit of these optical instru-ments. You will work in a diverse team together with space industry and knowledge institute team members. SRON projects are carried out in Dutch national context in collaboration with international space industry and agencies.

Tasks

The candidate will perform the following tasks:

• Act as optical instrument scientist in flight hardware projects; Emphasis on design and analysis of optical systems;
• Act as calibration scientist in flight hardware delivery projects; Emphasis on design, development and analysis of instrument calibration;
• Design and shadow engineering of optical (sub)systems;
• Analyze optical performance test results; Present results in documents and in presentations.

The candidate shall meet most of the following requirements:

• Master of science level, a Ph.D. degree in applied Physics or an equivalent discipline is preferred;
• Experience in design, tolerancing and use of optical systems;
• Experience with optical design software (Zemax, CodeV or similar);
• Good knowledge of optical materials, production techniques of optical components, and opto-mechanical concepts;
• Experience with calibration of high-end optical instrumentation;
• Experience with analysis of the performance of an optical instrument;
• Trained in project management skills (Prince II, IPMA or similar);
• Go-getter, self-starter, communicator.

Employment of this fulltime position at SRON-Utrecht is by NWO-I (The Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes) and will be for a period of two years with the possibility for an extension. If you have shown to fit well at SRON there is ample opportunity to continue your career.

The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO-I with a maximum of € 5,757.00 gross per month on a fulltime basis (highly 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;
• 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.

SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

SRON's mission is to bring about breakthroughs in international space research. Therefore the institute develops pioneering technology and advanced space instruments, and uses them to pursue fundamental astrophysical research, Earth science and exoplanetary research.

As national expertise institute SRON gives counsel to the Dutch government and coordinates national contributions to international space missions. SRON stimulates the implementation of space science in our society.

SRON Utrecht moves to Leiden in 2021.