Instrument Scientist (PhD)

As a key member of a team comprising instrument scientists and engineers, you will take a leading role in the program aimed at advancing the technology readiness level of the SRON X-ray microcalorimeter array and its frequency domain multiplexing readout. Additionally, you will participate in the on-going extensive testing campaign with the XIFU Focal Plane Assembly.

• You will be responsible for testing and qualification of the SQUID-based FDM readout and the characterization of the XIFU full size array consisting of over 1500 X-ray microcalorimeters fabricated in SRON state-of-the-art cleanroom.
• You will take part in testing the X-IFU FPA, including measurement planning, interpretation and reporting of the results. You will actively contribute to shaping the technology towards a flight instrument.
• You will operate the cryogenic He3/He4 dilution refrigerators and install and modify the test setups.
• You will contribute to the improvements of the measurement procedures and the data analysis pipeline.
• The focus of your role will depend on your previous experience relevant to the fields of interest.

• PhD degree in experimental (low temperature) physics and experience with superconducting electronics and (ultra) cryogenic facilities.
• The ideal candidate has experience with single photon X-ray detectors and instrument calibration.
• Excellent analytical and experimental skills
• Experience in developing room-temperature analog and digital electronics, software engineering, or nanofabrication is considered as a plus.
• Innovative and creative, and able to deliver within project constraints.
• Good verbal and written communication skills (in English).
• Team player, working well as part of a diverse team.
• Ability to work in a continuously changing environment. 

Competences

• Accurate and reliable
• Judicious
• Takes initiative
• Result-driven

Employment of this full-time position as an Instrument Scientist at SRON-Leiden is by NWO-I (The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research Institutes) and will be for a period of two years with a possible extension for a longer period. The collective labor agreement for research institutions applies. Salary will depend on education and experience but will not exceed €8.285,-gross per month (salary level 1-1-2026). The position is based in Leiden, The Netherlands.

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 a year on a 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’s mission is to achieve breakthroughs in international scientific research from space. To this end, SRON develops cutting-edge technology and advanced space instruments. SRON promotes societal applications of 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’.