Vacature Head

Head of the Technology Program

24 November 2023

€125.000,- a year on full time basis

Leiden

PhD

Fulltime

Are you our new colleague?

We are looking for a Program Lead with a vision for the future of ultrasensitive detectors and smart optics to become the new Head of the SRON Technology Program.

You and SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research

We offer the opportunity to lead and grow a world-class group of scientists as we continue our mission to develop the next generations of exciting new space instruments and use them to make ground-breaking scientific discoveries. Join our team and help push the leading edge of instrument development, data processing, software development, data analysis, and research with current and future space telescopes.

Your position and team

The Technology Program at SRON is built around our Technology Science Group (TSG) and includes an exciting portfolio of long-term enabling technologies, providing open mission opportunities, addressing technology gaps and looking 20 years ahead. TSG connects to the science goals of the other Science Programs (astrophysics, exoplanets and earth observation), and works closely with TU Delft (faculties EEMCS/EWI and 3mE) and Leiden Observatory.

The 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 (closing the THz gap), noiseless detectors for optical and MIR, compact spectrometers for trace gas monitoring, X-ray interferometry.

The annual research budget (2,5 million euro) comes from the annual funding from SRON's budget, complemented with 0,8-1 million euro from grants which can be personal grants, ESA contracts and other subcontracts. Besides paying for the lead scientists and postdocs, PhD and other students, this annual budget also partially pays for 15 instrument scientists, lithographers and engineers (reporting into the expertise groups). This position has become available due to the current Head of TSG taking a new career step and transitioning to a Senior Scientist position in TSG.

Your project

The current program focus of TSG is on: ultrasensitive cryogenic detector systems and read-out, and smart optical front-ends.

Position requirements

The new Head of our Technology Program will ideally have a research background in physics, mathematics, astronomy or electrical engineering (preferably at PhD level) 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 is a crucial asset. An affinity for and experience with instrumentation, in particular relevant to the SRON Technology Program, would be highly valued. It is important that the new Head of Technology be a clear communicator and enjoy 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 space related 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

Employment of this full-time position is by NWO-I (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes) and will initially be 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 5 years and may be renewed for multiple terms. You are applying for a position at SRON in Leiden. A hybrid way of working can be discussed. We would like to fulfill this position in the first quarter of 2024. The salary will be in accordance with the salary scales of NWO-I with a maximum of 125k€ per year (for full-time, scale 15). Compensation for business travel, commute and computing expenses will be provided. We will also provide training and support for your continued career development at SRON.

• NWO-I 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
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary
• Ample training opportunities
• Possibility of flexible working hours and hybrid working
• A favorable parental leave scheme.

Why SRON

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'.

About SRON

SRON is the Netherlands Institute for Space Research and our mission is to enable breakthroughs in international scientific research from space. Based at locations in Leiden and Groningen, SRON combines fundamental research, technology innovation, and instrumentation development to enable breakthroughs in astrophysics, exoplanet, and earth atmospheric research. As national expertise institute, SRON:

• Gives counsel to the Dutch government and coordinates national scientific contributions to international space missions
• Stimulates the implementation of space science in society by stimulating collaboration between the science community, technological institutes and industry
• Is also the national base for the Netherlands participation in the ESA science program. In collaboration with leading partners and 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 world-wide scientific communities.

At SRON, we are committed to diversity in the workplace and an inclusive culture. We explicitly invite people from all conceivable backgrounds to apply. Everyone is different and has unique talents. We embrace that diversity and believe it makes us stronger, more innovative, and enriches our institute. We therefore strongly encourage qualified applicants of all ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, members of minorities, persons with disabilities, or other non-traditional backgrounds to apply.

For further information about the content of the position, please contact drs.

Functie:	head
Startdatum:	26-11-2023
Ervaring:	Ervaren
Educatielevel:	WO
Contracttype:	Vast
Salaris:	9645 – 9645
Uren per week:	1 – 40

Heb je interesse in deze vacature en wil je graag op deze functie solliciteren? Neem dan contact op met Unknown via Unknown of Unknown. Of bezoek hun website Unknown.