DIFFER
DIFFER: Science for future energy
At the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) we work on a future in which clean energy will be available to everybody, anywhere in the world. DIFFER’s mission is to perform leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure.
Our research focuses on two major energy themes: fusion energy as a clean, safe and sustainable energy source and chemical energy. We work in close partnership with (inter)national academia and industry. DIFFER is one of the ten research institutes of the Dutch Research Council (NWO).
Within our institute physicists, chemists, engineers, and other specialists work together in multidisciplinary teams to accelerate the transition to a sustainable society. DIFFER’s workforce is currently composed of ~160 scientists (of which 60 guests and interns), supported by ~40 technicians and ~40 support staff members.
The global nature of the energy challenge is apparent from the international representation of our employees, who originate from over 30 different countries. To strengthen our commitment to diversity, we formed a task force to design, implement, and monitor diversity and gender equality initiatives.
DIFFER IS LOOKING FOR A SCIENTIFIC FACILITY OWNER FOR OUR ION BEAM FACILITY
DIFFER’s ion beam facility (IBF) features a 3.5 MV Singletron and four beamlines that support four world-unique experiments.
1) Our Magnum-PSI is a linear plasma device with the world's highest plasma flux.
2) The Upgraded Pilot-PSI (UPP) is the only device allowing simultaneous ITER-relevant -flux plasma exposure and operando ion beam analysis (IBA).
3) DICE enables simultaneous ion-irradiation and salt-corrosion experiments and
4) IBA-REACTOR allows for dynamic observation of electrolysis processes. The IBF usage is rapidly growing, with operational hours increasing from 500 in 2019 to 3000 in 2025. Our diverse user base spans users from the domain of fusion, electrochemistry, aerospace, optics, fission, and more.
In this frame, we are looking for a Scientific Facility Owner who wants to work at the heart of large-scale experimental science, offering user support and assisting academic and industrial partners with cutting edge scientific projects. This role is ideally suited for a PhD graduate who enjoys hands-on experimentation, working with a diverse user base, and enabling high-impact science, rather than pursuing an independent academic research career. After internal training, you will become a key expert in operating and developing our Ion Beam Facility, gaining broad exposure to advanced materials research and infrastructure operations. A facility expert (Technical Facility Owner) is available to assist with the management of all technical aspects.
Responsibilities and tasks:
Experimental operations and user support
- Act as the primary point of contact for internal and external users of the Ion Beam Facility
- Assist users during ion irradiation experiments and ion beam analysis, including measurements and data interpretation
- Train and onboard users in ion beam techniques and facility operation
- Contribute directly to experimental work, ensuring high-quality and efficient execution of experiments
Facility coordination and operations
- Plan and coordinate experimental campaigns in close collaboration with users and stakeholders
- Ensure safe operation of the facility, including compliance with radiation safety regulations and standard operating procedures
- Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the technical team (in close collaboration with the Technical Facility Owner)
- Contribute to maintaining and improving operational workflows within the facility
- Contribute to budget planning, resource allocation, and procurement processes for the facility
Scientific contribution and collaboration
- Evaluate experimental proposals for scientific excellence and technical feasibility
- Contribute to technical reports, scientific publications, and presentations in collaboration with users
- Support the development of new collaborations with academic and industrial partners, both national and international, to enhance the facility's capabilities and to foster a collaborative research environment
POSITION AND REQUIREMENTS
We seek an enthusiastic and talented scientist or engineer holding a PhD in physics, material science, or a related field, with a background and expertise in ion beam techniques. You can demonstrate:
A strong affinity with experimental work and data analysis (NDF is preferred, or MultiSIMNRA is desired)- You are, or are eager to become an expert in ion beam techniques
- You enjoy working closely with users and collaborators from diverse backgrounds
- You are proactive, service-oriented, and take ownership of complex experimental workflows
- You communicate clearly and effectively in an international environment
- You are interested in developing project management and coordination skills
You are expected to work closely together with many stakeholders with different expertise and backgrounds (educational and cultural). We therefore look for a great team player with excellent communication skills and motivation to discuss both scientific and technical aspects in a highly multidisciplinary field. Good verbal and written communication skills in English is a prerequisite in our international and interdisciplinary team. Over time, you will develop coordination and planning responsibilities within the facility, providing a pathway toward more senior roles in research infrastructure or high-tech industry.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The announced position is embedded in the Facilities & Instrumentation department at DIFFER with close collaboration with the scientific groups at DIFFER. The position is for 0.8-1 FTE and is graded in payscale 10, with a maximum salary of € 5758,= gross a month.
The position will be based at DIFFER (www.differ.nl) and the working location will be at TU Eindhoven. When fulfilling a position at DIFFER, you will have an employee status at NWO. You can participate in all the employee benefits NWO offers. We have a number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. At DIFFER we believe that a workforce diverse in gender, age and cultural background is key to performing excellent research. We therefore strongly encourage everyone to apply. More information on working at NWO can be found at the NWO website (https://www.nwo-i.nl/en/working-at-nwo-i/jobsatnwoi/)
INFORMATION AND APPLICATION
The closing date of the vacancy is 12 June 2026. We kindly ask you to apply for this position via the button; we are looking forward receiving your application! First interviews will take place on Thursday 18 and 25 June.
Further information on the vacancy is available through Dr. Hans van Eck, Head of the Facilities and Instrumentation department, Tel: +31 (0) 40 3334 760, e-mail: [email protected].
