DIFFER exploits an Ion Beam Facility (IBF) for non-destructive characterization of sub-surface material properties and non-perturbing investigation of processes in materials for fusion energy and solar fuels. Research topics include the investigation of materials exposed to the extreme wall conditions in a nuclear fusion reactor and the structural effects of catalytic materials to accelerate chemical reactions. The facility is built around a 3.5 MV Singletron ion accelerator, in which light ions are extracted from an RF plasma and accelerated electrostatically over (at most) 3.5 MV. The beam of ions formed this way, is filtered, steered and focused by magnets to an experimental setup of choice.

We seek an Experienced Ion Beam Specialist (F/M) to optimally exploit the facility with the scientific and technical staff of the Nuclear Fusion and Solar Fuels departments as well as external, industrial or academic, partners.

Responsibilities and tasks: 

Your primary responsibility will be the operation, maintenance and development of our IBF. In close consultation with DIFFER’s safety officer, you have an important role to ensure the safety of the facility and in the supervision of the safe operation of setups.

A key-aspect is the realization of an Ion Beam line to our new linear device. This includes the development of new detectors and shielding to enable in-situ, operando ion beam measurements.

Finally, you are expected to take a leading role in the material research for energy applications. This includes the formulation of research proposals for the Dutch and European research establishments.

A more detailed description of the work duties is given below:

• Responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of the facility
• Initiate and implement instrumental upgrades of the facilities, including development of dedicated detectors
• Provide technical expertise in support scientists when designing experiments or applying for external research funding
• Actively promote the capabilities of the facility
• Train permanent staff in IBA
• Supervision of students (bachelor, MSc and PhD)
• Promote collaboration with industry and society
• Administration related to the work duties listed above
• Initiate own research line on Materials studies using the IBF.

We seek enthusiastic candidates with proven work experience as Ion Beam Specialist in an international and interdisciplinary environment. You have a long-standing experience with the technical aspects of accelerator operation including experimental preparation, data acquisition and data analysis.

You hold a PhD in Applied Physics, Material Science or Electrical Engineering and have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. In addition to the operational aspects, you are motivated to participate in DIFFER’s science program, both in a supporting role as well as a leading role. You have ample experience of simulation and analysis program packages. Radiation protection training is a plus.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years, Following a successful appointment, you will receive a permanent position.

Our institute offers a first class and international research environment with various interdisciplinary but related research topics and projects.  Successful candidates will be offered a temporary position for two years. Following a successful appointment, you will receive a permanent position at the institute.

The terms of employment comply with the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres ('CAO-onderzoekinstellingen'). Depending on your background and experience, the gross monthly salary of a tenure track position on a full-time basis will range between €3,682.00 and €5,757.00 gross per month. Employees are also entitled to a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.33%. It is possible to work part-time with a minimum of 0.8 FTE.

NWO and DIFFER have number of regulations that support employees in finding a good work-life balance. Such as conditions for teleworking, partly paid parental leave and the possibility to purchase and sell holiday leave. General information on working at NWO can also be found at the NWO website (www.nwo-i.nl). Employees from abroad will receive support settling in the Netherlands, for example with housing or finding partners a suitable job.

DIFFER

DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research) is one of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) institutes and focuses on a multidisciplinary approach to energy research, combining physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science.

The institute is based on two main strands, solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy and fusion-energy as clean and unlimited source of energy. DIFFER is developing and supporting a national network on fundamental energy research and is closely collaborating with academic institutions, research institutes and industry. As of 2015 the institute is located in a new building at the campus of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e).