Instrument Scientist Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS)

Enable groundbreaking research, support world-class education, and become a leading expert in small-angle neutron scattering at TU Delft, supporting scientists and students worldwide.

Job description
As Instrument Scientist SANS (SANS), you are responsible for the optimal use of the Small Angle Neutron Scattering instrument at the TU Delft Reactor Institute TU Delft Reactor Institute. You train and support users, including MSc and PhD students, postdocs, professors, and R&D specialists from industry. You advise on experimental design, sample preparation, data analysis, and interpretation, translating measurements into meaningful scientific outcomes.

You work closely with users and technicians to continuously improve experiments. You adapt instrument configurations and data reduction procedures and optimise measurement quality, resolution, accuracy, and speed. You also develop new sample environments, improve shielding, and contribute to the further development of control systems. Approximately 15% of beam time is available for instrument development and your own research.

Every day you enable new research, ranging from battery or colloid systems to in situ measurements for meat replacements. As the scientist responsible for SANS, you’ll support researchers with their research grant proposals with your expertise, securing availability and the best possible set-up. In addition, you represent TU Delft internationally through conferences, workshops, and scientific publications. You build and maintain a strong network of universities, research institutes, and industrial partners in the Netherlands and abroad.

You will work closely with a motivated and skilled team of technicians, who are responsible for the technical status of the instrument and provide ongoing support, as well as with your fellow instrument scientists in our Instrument Group. We share a strong drive to educate engineering students and support groundbreaking research using our 2.3 MW open pool research reactor.

We foster an approachable and friendly culture in which we share knowledge and exchange ideas to create the best possible solutions in a safe environment. This also means becoming familiar with other instruments, as techniques and applications often overlap. Of course, you will receive all the training and support you need to reach your full potential and grow in your expert role.

The reactor operates approximately 180 days per year, with fixed operating hours from Monday till Friday that support a healthy work-life balance. TU Delft offers extensive training and development opportunities, enabling you to grow into a recognised expert in neutron scattering, materials science, and instrument development.

Job requirements

• You hold a PhD in physical sciences, life sciences, engineering, or another relevant scientific discipline.
• You have extensive experience with small angle neutron scattering and in-depth knowledge of its scientific and technical applications.
• You are motivated to continuously develop and optimise SANS instrumentation and experimental methods.
• You demonstrate strong communication skills to effectively train, support, and advise diverse user groups.
• You show interest in related techniques and instruments to contribute to integrated research solutions.
• You are motivated to build and maintain an international academic and industrial network
• You are willing to undergo a security screening to obtain a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD.
• You have an excellent command of English for working in an international research environment.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

TU Delft | Reactor Institute
The TU Delft| Reactor Institute is the Dutch knowledge center for nuclear technology and radiation-related research and education. It manages a unique research reactor (2.3 MW), irradiation facilities and radiation-related research instruments. The TU Delft |Reactor Institute facilitates researchers and users of various research disciplines. Its research focuses mainly on materials for energy conversion and storage, and health technology for imaging, diagnosis and therapy with radionuclides and protons. It provides education to students from various programs within TU Delft, and professionals.

Conditions of employment

• We offer a one-year contract for 38–40 hours per week (1.0 FTE), with the intention to convert this into a permanent position.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• A salary based on Scale 11 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €4728 - €6433 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like to know more about this role, please contact Jeroen Plomp, Head of Instrument Group, via [0031 (0)15 2787109] or j.plomp@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? We encourage you to contact us for an informal introduction prior to your application. You are welcome to send Jeroen Plomp an email with a link to your LinkedIn profile.

Please apply no later than 27 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Jeroen Plomp, Head of Instrument Group.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

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