Head of the technology Program

You and SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands

SRON is the space research expert institute in the Netherlands, where we combine a high level of space science with development and engineering of the next generation space instruments. We work together with international partners and develop groundbreaking technology and advanced space instruments.

Your position and team

The Head of the SRON technology program oversees a base research budget of 2.5 M€ annually, complemented by roughly 1 M€/yr external funding from personal research grants, ESA contracts, and other funding sources. In addition to the staff scientists, postdocs, and PhD students in the Technology Group itself, this annual program budget funds roughly 15 instrument scientists, lithographers, and engineers in the SRON expertise groups supporting various Technology program projects

The Technology Science Group (TSG) currently consists of about 10 members including 5 permanent research staff as well as a number of postdocs and PhD students. Scientifically, the group is active in a wide range of research areas including space instrumentation, imaging spectroscopy (combining cryogenic detectors and optical front ends), KIDS and smart optics for infrared, noiseless detectors for optical and MIR, compact spectrometers for trace gas monitoring, metasurfaces, and X-ray interferometry. 

The Technology Program

The Technology Program at SRON is built around our Technology Science Group and includes an exciting portfolio of long-term enabling technologies, providing open mission opportunities, addressing technology gaps and looking 20 years ahead. TSG connects and enables the science goals of the other Science Programs (astrophysics and earth observation) and collaborates closely with external partners, such as TU Delft and NOVA among others, to pursue the program. 

Position requirements

The new Head of our Technology Program will have a PhD and a research background in Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy or Electrical Engineering or related fields and experience in leading, managing and supporting multi-disciplinary teams that include research and technical staff. Prior experience in the development and portfolio management of technologies, or innovation programs of research institutes, research departments is a crucial asset. An affinity for and experience with instrumentation, relevant to the SRON Technology Program, would be highly valued. It is important that the new Head of Technology is a clear communicator and enjoys interacting with a wide range of people including scientists, technical staff, support staff, agency and governmental executives, and the wider community. 

Desired qualifications: 

• A doctorate in Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy or Electrical Engineering
• Experience in managing scientific and technical groups
• Experience in the successful development and execution of scientific projects, preferably for space instrumentation or large international projects
• Experience with technology and instrumentation development
• Experience with the acquisition of new projects and funding
• Understanding of the Dutch academia landscape to enhance research collaborations
• Ability to establish and foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. 

What we offer

The position we offer is a fulltime position. You will be employed by NWO-I (Foundation for Dutch Scientific Research Institutes), initially for a period of two years after which the position will become permanent following a satisfactory performance evaluation. In addition, the appointment to the position of Head of the Technology Program shall be for a term of five years and may be renewed for multiple terms. You are applying for a position at SRON in Leiden. However, your role also requires you to be in Groningen several times a year. A hybrid way of working is common at SRON; to be discussed how to fill this in. We would like to fulfill this position in the third quarter of 2026 The salary will be in accordance with NWO salary scale 15 with a maximum of € 139 k gross per year on a full-time basis depending on your level of education and experience. 

NWO-I 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 per year on a full-time basis;
• Compensation for commuting expenses;
• An excellent pension scheme;
• Options for (additional) personal development;
• Excellent facilities for parental leave;
• Ample training opportunities;
• Possibility of flexible working hours;

About SRON

SRON is the Space Research Organisation Netherlands. 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 drs. Helen Jong, MBA (helen@helenjong.nl, +31-6-19947273). Helen is appointed by the Director General and Institute Manager to support SRON in the procedure to search and select candidates for this key position. 

For information on the employment conditions please contact HR Manager Sandra van Gessel (s.b.e.van.gessel@sron.nl).