Head of the Technology Program

Head of the Technology Program

SRON - Netherlands Institute for Space Research

Leiden, Netherlands

Up to € 10.000 per month

Your position and team

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 Program

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.

Position requirements

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:

• 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 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.