We are looking for a Program Lead with a vision for the future of technology for space research to become the new Head of the SRON Technology Program.
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.
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 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.
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:
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A doctorate in Physics, Mathematics, Astronomy or Electrical Engineering
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Experience in managing scientific and technical groups
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Experience in the successful development and execution of scientific projects, preferably for space instrumentation or large international projects
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Experience with technology and instrumentation development
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Experience with the acquisition of new projects and funding
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Understanding of the Dutch academia landscape to enhance research collaborations
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Ability to establish and foster a collaborative and inclusive working environment
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Excellent communication and presentation skills.
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 5 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:
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An end-of-year bonus of 8,33% of the gross yearly salary;
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A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross yearly salary;
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42 days of vacation leave per year on a full-time basis;
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Compensation for commuting expenses;
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An excellent pension scheme;
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Options for (additional) personal development;
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Excellent facilities for parental leave;
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Ample training opportunities;
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Possibility of flexible working hours;
It is SRON's mission 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 and we have a strong international reputation for 'excellence in space research'. The quality and societal relevance of our science is considered ‘world-leading’.
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.
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 ([email protected], +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 ([email protected]).
To apply, please submit a motivation letter and a CV, via SRON’s appointed contact person Ms. Helen Jong. See her email address above. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but review of applications will begin in August 2026.
At SRON we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age, and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage qualified applicants of all ages, sexual orientations, gender expressions, members of minorities, persons with disabilities, and potential dual-academic-career hires to apply.
Online screening may be part of the selection procedure.
Recruitment consultants, please put down the phone. We’ll do the recruitment ourselves so unsolicited acquisition to this vacancy is not appreciated.
