Would you like to help shape the future of radio astronomy instrumentation? Are you passionate about innovation in analogue front-end technology? Would you like to inspire a team of highly skilled and motivated mechanical and electronics engineers to realise the next generation of radio astronomy instruments? 

If this resonates with you, we have an exciting opportunity for you! 

Front-end Technology Strategist 

(0,8 – 1,0 FTE)
 

Exciting times

More than a decade after its establishment, ASTRON's flagship telescope (The Low Frequency Array, LOFAR) continues to unravel the Universe's mysteries. Now, the team responsible for LOFAR's design is looking towards securing LOFAR's position as a world-leading science infrastructure beyond 2030. Realising the next generation of LOFAR frontends will be the task of ASTRON's Smart Frontend group: a group of 13 engineers specialised in the domains of mechanical, antenna, radio frequency, photonics, and digital electronics engineering.  

Job description 

As Front-end Technology Strategist, you will lead ASTRON's telescope front-end innovation strategy. Your role will be centred around the Smart Frontend (SFe) group's technology roadmap where you: 

• Align the roadmap with ASTRON's instrument vision.

Together with the SFe group and senior ASTRON researchers, you align innovation in various technology domains (Antennas, RF and Digital electronics, Photonics, and Mechanics) with ASTRON's instrument vision.  

• Embed key technologies in ASTRON's instruments. 

Together with principal investigators and project leaders, you embed key front-end technologies within ASTRON's instruments by performing or leading architecture design studies for various instrument concepts. 

• Enable technology research. 

You initiate, steer, and where applicable, lead, strategic acquisition to ensure that ASTRON's front-end technology portfolio meets its future instrument needs.  

Your profile 

You can consider yourself a good match to this position if you have: 

• A PhD in Electrical engineering, or equivalent research experience.  
• A firm understanding of radio frequency frontends. 
• Led, or participated in, international consortia working on front-end technology innovation.  
• Experience in technological acquisition through European funding programmes. 
• A drive to facilitate innovation. 
• At least B2-level proficiency of the Dutch language, or a willingness to learn it.   

Naturally, we do not anticipate all applicants to have excelled in all these aspects. Therefore, if you identify your strengths in a collection of these, your application is most welcome. 

About ASTRON 

At ASTRON, we are dedicated to increasing staff diversity and creating a safe and inclusive workplace. We are especially interested in applications from women and other traditionally under-represented groups.  

We offer an environment where you work alongside experts from various fields and where we have a culture of mutual support and respect. This makes the inspirational environment at ASTRON the biggest playground to innovate, where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive and grow. We constantly push the boundaries of what is technologically possible to make discoveries in radio astronomy happen. Innovations derived from our work benefit society as a whole. 

On top of that, the ASTRON premises are situated in a fantastic area in the middle of a beautiful National Park. Since we are surrounded by stunning scenery our lunch walks are like vacation, where you can often see hares, fawns, and deer grazing around the building. We work where people travel to relax and enjoy their holiday! 

Collaboration at our office sparks some of the best ideas and solutions to complex problems. Therefore, we work at least 60% of our time at the ASTRON premises. If you face difficulties coming to the office, we will be glad to consider exceptions on a case-by-case basis. 

To discover firsthand experiences of colleagues who love working at ASTRON click this link.   

What you can expect from us 

• An inclusive, innovative, and pleasant working environment with an international and inspiring work culture. 
• Opportunities and encouragement to accelerate and develop yourself and your career. 
• The exceptional combination of astronomy, operations, and engineering in one building. 
• We provide all necessary facilities for people with a handicap in any form.  
• Flexible employment conditions tailored to your personal situation, generous relocation expenses and support with finding accommodation as well as a suitable job for your partner. 
• A temporary appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for a duration of 3 years (with a possible contract for an indefinite period based on good performance). 
• A gross monthly salary in the range of € 5.188, - to € 7.235, - (on full-time basis), based on relevant experience, an 8% holiday allowance, and an 8.33% year-end bonus. 
• A good package of benefits including a pension plan, discount on health insurance and a travel expenses scheme. 
• 42 vacation days per year on a full-time basis. 

The terms of employment are in accordance with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement Research Institutions. 

Looking forward to your application 

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, then we would very much like to meet you! You can apply via the 'Apply now' button below. We look forward to receiving your motivation letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates will be considered until the position has been filled. For more information, please contact David Prinsloo, Competence Group Lead of the Smart Frontend group, at prinsloo@astron.nl.