SRON Space Research Organisation Netherlands

Can your code perfect the functioning of our space science instruments? 🚀 We’re looking for a Software Engineer with a passion for space hardware to join our team in Groningen. • Develop software for advanced telescopes and space missions • Work closely with scientists and engineers in our lab • Combine software development with hands-on hardware testing Ready for a role with impact, on Earth and beyond? Check the vacancy via the link in bio. #SpaceJobs #SoftwareEngineer #Engineering #Python #Linux #Groningen #SpaceResearch #sronspace

Live from the Netherlands Astronomy Conference 2026 in Egmond aan Zee! ✨ This year, SRON is proud to host the 81st edition of the NAC together with the Royal Netherlands Astronomical Society. The annual conference brings together the Dutch and Flemish astronomy community for three days focused on collaboration, networking and sharing knowledge across institutes and disciplines. With 260 participants attending this year’s event, the first days already delivered many valuable conversations and new connections, especially for early career researchers meeting colleagues from across the astronomy community. A strong and inspiring start to NAC 2026, we’re looking forward to the final day! #astronomy #spacescience #conference #netherlands #spaceresearch

𝗡𝗔𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗶𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿... From May 11 to 13, researchers gather at Hotel Zuiderduin in Egmond aan Zee for three days of science and exchange. Hosted by SRON and KNA-RNAS. From sessions and poster discussions to informal moments by the coast, NAC brings the astronomy community together in one place. We look forward to welcoming the community. #astronomy #spaceresearch #conference #spacescience #researchcommunity #sronspace

🌀 Unraveling Cosmic Mysteries: Low-energy astrophysics. Hidden behind clouds of gas and dust lies a universe invisible to the naked eye. In infrared light, these regions come alive. We observe where stars and planets are born, trace the evolution of galaxies across billions of years, and study the faint glow of the earliest structures in the universe. At SRON, we develop instruments and technologies to explore this cool and distant cosmos. Because even in the darkest regions of space, there is a story waiting to be told. #Astrophysics #Infrared #SpaceResearch #Cosmology #SpaceScience #sronspace

Monitoring wildfires from space Large wildfires are not common in the Netherlands, but with increasing climate change (high temperatures, droughts) they are seen more often. We had several (large) wildfires over the past dry, sunny and windy days (e.g. https://nos.nl/artikel/2612430-dit-is-wat-we-nu-weten-over-de-brand-op-het-militaire-oefenterrein-t-harde). On 29 April 2026, a large fire started near ‘t Harde, in eastern Netherlands. Satellite observations by #TROPOMI on @europeanspaceagency ’s Sentinel-5P mission reveal the atmospheric impact of this large wildfire . Imagery shows elevated carbon monoxide concentrations alongside a pronounced aerosol absorption index signal, highlighting the importance of space-based observations in tracking smoke transport and air-quality impacts downwind of the fire. These observations coincide with the release of ECMWF’s European State of the Climate 2025 report (https://www.ecmwf.int/en/about/media-centre/news/2026/european-state-climate-2025-report-published). The report shows that Europe is the fastest warming continent and documents increasing climate extremes and the occurrences of wildfires, especially in southern Europe. The ‘t Harde fire underscores growing wildfire risk in a changing climate, even extending to northern European regions and emerging early in the spring season. #TROPOMI #Wildfires #Nederland #ClimateChange

Optics for optimal Earth observation. 🌍 The TROPOMI space instrument maps methane emissions across the whole world on a daily basis with a wide field of view. Zooming in requires a higher spatial resolution. At SRON, we develop optical elements that enable higher spatial resolution in a more compact form. This supports satellites in monitoring our planet more frequently and in greater detail. Enabling a new level of detail in Earth observation. #EarthObservation #ClimateScience #SpaceTech #Innovation #sronspace

With great sadness we share that on April 20th, Thijs de Graauw has passed away. He was a leading figure in submillimeter and infrared astronomy and a pioneer in heterodyne technology. De Graauw led the development of the ISO-SWS and Herschel-HIFI instruments at SRON in Groningen. From 1983 to 1990, he led the SRON-Groningen department, after which he led SRON’s far-infrared group until 2007. In 2008 De Graauw became the director of ALMA, from which he retired in 2013. Our condolences to Thijs’ family. He will be sorely missed by us and many others.

We offer PhD positions in Condensed Matter and Detector Physics for Space. Are you an ambitious scientist ready to work at the forefront of detector research and astronomical instrumentation? At Space Research Organisation Netherlands, we are looking for two PhD candidates to help demonstrate the MKID performance needed to characterise Earth-like exoplanets from space. Think optical instruments sensitive enough to detect individual photons, enabling the study of distant atmospheres with zero dark current. To get there, we push detector technology to its fundamental limits. One position focuses on condensed matter and detector sensitivity. The other on detector efficiency and scaling up to larger arrays. You will join our team in Leiden and collaborate closely with @tudelft Interested? Apply via link in bio. #Astronomy #Physics #SpaceResearch #PhDPosition #CondensedMatter #Exoplanets #STEMJobs #Leiden

Today is Earth Day. From space, we see the beauty of our Earth every day using satellites. 🛰 These satellites are our watchful eyes in space that help monitor our climate, so that we can better protect our planet. The Dutch SPEXone instrument onboard NASA’s PACE satellite studies the properties of aerosols to get a better understanding of this still uncertain factor in climate change. #EarthDay #EarthObservation #ClimateScience #SpaceResearch #Satellites #Aerosols #ClimateChange #NASA #PACE #SPEXone #EarthFromSpace #sronspace

𝗔𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝘂𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁: 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗡𝗔𝗖 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗻! From May 11 to 13, the Netherlands Astronomy Conference brings the Dutch and Flemish astronomy community together in Egmond aan Zee, hosted by SRON and KNA-RNAS. The programme includes plenary sessions, NOVA network contributions and poster presentations, alongside discussions on topics such as data science, infrastructure and the future of the field. There is also plenty of room to connect, with an evening speaker and social activities. Will you be there? Find the programme via indico.kna-rnas.nl/event/2/ #astronomy #spaceresearch #conference #spacescience #researchcommunity #sronspace

🚀 We’re hiring a Nano Engineer for Space Research Are you a Nano Engineer ready to make the next generation of detectors for space? At SRON, we are looking for a creative, technical professional to join our Nano Development team. What you’ll do: 🔬 Manufacture nano-electronics in our state-of-the-art cleanroom ⚙️ Work with high-vacuum machines for vapour and sputter deposition, plasma deposition and etching, and UV mask aligners 🛰 Directly contribute to ground-breaking space and ground-based missions Who are you? • HBO+ (Higher Vocational) level in (Tech) Physics or (Applied) Chemistry • Experienced in micro- and nanofabrication • A team player who thrives on precision and innovation Ready to take your next career step in our space research labs? 👉 Go to werkenbijsron.nl and search for “Nano Engineer” #NanoEngineering #SpaceTech #Physics #Cleanroom #Nanotechnology #SpaceJobs #CareersInSpace #sronspace

Help us ensure excellence in space research In space, there is no room for error. We are looking for a Product Assurance Manager who thrives on precision, takes ownership and knows how to manage risk in complex projects. Ready to play a key role in the success of our space missions? Interested? Discover the role via the link in bio. #SpaceIndustry #ProductAssurance #QualityManagement #Engineering #JobAlert #SRON #SpaceJobs