Key Skills

Job Description

Would you like to take quantum technology from the lab to real-world applications? Develop innovative quantum sensors to protect critical infrastructure in the North Sea and make a difference with your research. Apply now! This is what you do as Junior Researcher Quantum Sensing The North Sea is home to critical infrastructure that is indispensable to society, industry and the energy transition. To protect this infrastructure, it is becoming increasingly important to detect and identify ships in the area in a timely and reliable manner. As part of the PREVENT project, Saxion, The Hague University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and Fontys are jointly developing innovative sensor technology for the detection of unidentified vessels at sea. As a Junior Researcher in Quantum Sensing, you will contribute to research into the development of advanced quantum sensors for maritime applications. Under the supervision of and in collaboration with experienced researchers, you will work on the development, testing and optimisation of an NV-centre-based quantum sensor using Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR). You will assist in the development and improvement of optical and opto-electronic measurement set-ups, carry out experiments and help analyse measurement data. In addition, you will contribute to optimising the interaction between NV centres, optical components and electronic readout, with a focus on reliable and stable measurements and noise reduction. Together with researchers and project partners from various disciplines, you will contribute to the development of an integrated demonstrator and help to investigate and demonstrate the feasibility of quantum sensing as a robust and cost-effective technology for maritime applications. This is where you will work School of Life Science, Engineering and Design As junior researcher you will be a member of the Applied Nanotechnology. (https://www.saxion.edu/research/research-groups/applied-nanotechnology) This team is part of the School of Life Science, Engineering and Design (LED). (https://www.saxion.nl/over-saxion/organisatie/academies/life-science-engineering-and-design-led) LED offers an inspiring and effective learning, work and research environment, focused on applied technologies and recent national and international developments. Saxion’s employment terms and conditions Working at Saxion means working on inspiring, future-oriented education and research. You will fulfil an exciting position, working independently in a dynamic, socially relevant organisation that matters. The position provides you with plenty of opportunities to take initiative and develop. We also offer the following: The following salary scale: scale 8: min € 3,477 / max € 4,595 (cao-hbo) working on a full-time basis. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus. You will receive a temporary contract, with the possibility of extension. A generous leave policy. For example: if you work full-time and have opted for a 40-hour week you can take 428 hours of leave annually. This means you will have 53.5 holiday leave days, including statutory holiday days and public holidays. Personal development: follow an inspirational webinar, workshop or training course at our internal Saxion Academy, do a career check or explore the possibilities of taking a master’s degree or PhD programme or professional doctorate. The Saxion Hybrid Working Package (https://www.saxion.nl/over-saxion/werken-bij/en/benefits#saxion-hybrid-working-package1) A comprehensive retirement plan. See the cao-hbo for more information. 100% allowance for travel by public transport and tax benefits on the purchase of a bicycle. Would you like to find out more about our terms of employment? Check out our webpage (https://www.saxion.nl/over-saxion/werken-bij/arbeidsvoorwaarden). Job Requirements We seek a professional who fits the job profile below. Does this sound like you? Then this job is ideal for you! A completed bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering or a comparable subject. Curiosity, an inquisitive mindset and enthusiasm for technology and innovation. An affinity for experimental research, sensor technology and quantum sensing. Experience with ODMR, NV centres, Python, data analysis, optics, electronics or hardware development is an advantage. An independent and pragmatic approach that enables you to translate research into working prototypes and applications, whilst collaborating effectively with colleagues and partners. How To Apply Feeling enthusiastic? Then apply directly for the position of Junior Researcher Quantum Sensing using this application form. If you have any questions about this position, Then please contact Tjeerd Bollmann via +31 (0)6-827 23 701 Saxion strives to be a diverse and inclusive organisation. Feel free to apply. Application procedure For your diary: Applications close on Wednesday November 18th 2026. The 1st interview will take place on Wednesday November 25th 2026, between 09.00-12.00h. A possible second interview or employment conditions discussion will take place at a date to be confirmed. Please note that this vacancy is open to both internal and external candidates. In the event of candidates with equal merit, internal candidates will be given priority. We prefer to fill our vacancies ourselves, so unsolicited approaches are not welcome.

Core Responsibilities

Contribute to the development, testing, and optimization of an NV-center-based quantum sensor using Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance, including improving optical and opto-electronic measurement setups and analyzing experimental data. Collaborate with researchers and project partners to develop an integrated demonstrator and assess the feasibility of robust, cost-effective quantum sensing for maritime applications.

Requirements

A completed bachelor’s degree in Applied Physics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, or a comparable subject is required, along with curiosity and an interest in experimental research, sensor technology, and quantum sensing. Experience with ODMR, NV centers, Python, data analysis, optics, electronics, or hardware development is advantageous; candidates should also be pragmatic, able to work independently, and effective collaborators.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• Year-End Bonus
• Generous Leave Policy
• Personal Development Opportunities
• Hybrid Working Package
• Retirement Plan
• Public Transport Travel Allowance
• Bicycle Purchase Tax Benefits