Circular Economy Systems Scientist | Utrecht

Contributing to a circular world. Imagine it. Become a Circular Economy Modeller at TNO in Utrecht. We are looking for a skilled scientific modeler with experience of building software tools to advance the application of our research activities by improving our circularity assessment models. You will develop and apply models and tools which explore material flows, sustainability strategies and circularity policies using large datasets and Python-based tools. This is an opportunity to work in an established team of TNO scientists, software engineers and consultants, working together to answer some of society’s most challenging sustainability questions.

You will design and implement models to analyze circular economy scenarios within our established model suite. Taking established methods such as MFA, LCA, MRIO and applying them to a range of industry and policy questions. You will be translating complex scientific insights into actionable recommendations for business and policy stakeholders and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in fields such as Plastics or Critical Raw Materials.

Together with an integral team of data and modelling experts, you will work at the intersection of sustainability topics (such as in Plastics or Critical Raw Materials), methodology (such as MFA & LCA) and scientific software development. You will develop and refine computational models to simulate circular economy scenarios and policy pathways. You will use Python packages and related tooling to build test and optimize these models, performing sensitivity analysis and scenario testing to explore the impacts of different policy or business interventions. You’ll be communicating findings in an engaging way for our industrial and policy stakeholders including visualizations of system performance and circularity pathways.

Your contribution to the group will also be in shaping the design and deployment of reusable tooling for our models. This will include handling complex technical, economic and material-specific datasets with metadata, in a way which supports robust scientific insights and outputs.

We are looking for a modeller who has a keen interest in sustainability and circular economy, and has an interest in understanding the connection between the qualitative and quantitative world. Together with internal and external parties, you will shape the development and expansion of our model suite across a range of methods. This also means that part of your work involves writing high-quality project proposals and scientific articles with others and working closely together with scientists from the areas of circular plastics, microplastics, circular electronics and critical raw materials. You have experience in the development of scientific software and tooling for research.

What else do you have to offer?

• You hold a Masters or PhD in a relevant discipline in the field of sustainability, industrial ecology or circular economy, and have experience of developing models which apply methodologies for materials, economic and environmental impact assessment.
• You have proficiency in programming using Python packages in support of developing scientific or research software. Experience with agile working (Scrum & Gitlab) is a plus. Strong data wrangling, data visualization and object oriented programming skills are a plus.
• You have strong collaboration and networking skills and know how to connect people. You have an effective way of communication, both internally and externally, with members of the project team, business consultants, and pioneers in the field at TNO.
• Experience in the Plastics and/or Critical Raw Materials domains is an advantage, as is experience in sectors which have a demand for recycled Plastics, Chemicals and Critical Raw Materials such as in Chemical Engineering, Electronics, Automotive, Batteries, Textiles, Bioplastics and Renewables.
• You have excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written. Knowledge of the Dutch language is appreciated.

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. We offer a gross monthly salary between € 4.500,- and € 7.000,- (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33% and a flex budget (5.58% + € 180). In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

TNO offers optional employee benefits, enabling you to tailor your benefits package to match your personal situation. You may also expect:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics.
• We offer a comprehensive and flexible mobility plan that also includes full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Great social events with your team and other TNO colleagues. That’s how you will get to know a lot of people really quickly.
• Flexible working hours, the possibility to work parttime (32 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

Within TNO, you will work in the Circularity & Sustainability Impact department. This is a versatile department with nearly 50 passionate researchers, consultants, and mathematical wizards in the field of life cycle assessments (LCA) and other impact methods. They have domain knowledge of the recycling and chemical industry and extensive knowledge of analyzing and predicting the impact of human actions on the climate and planetary boundaries. Additionally, this team helps policymakers in governments and decision-makers in companies in the transformation to a more sustainable and cleaner economy. The team you will be a part of is based in Utrecht but collaborates extensively with other teams (e.g., in The Hague, Amsterdam, Geleen and the Eindhoven region).

Please apply before the 8th of February, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.

The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.

A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.