Scientist emissions for Air Quality and Climate Change research | Utrecht

At TNO, we work on the topic of sustainability from multiple angles, including climate change and air pollution. The team Emissions within the department Air quality and Emissions Research (AER) at TNO focuses on emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants and their interconnections. We are looking for a new colleague to strengthen our dedicated team of approximately 12 people working on this complex topic. Our team is internationally recognized as a frontrunner in the field of quantifying and mapping anthropogenic emissions for policy related and scientific applications. With our work we support air quality and climate modellers (both within our department and in other institutes) to model atmospheric concentrations and deposition. We validate emission estimates and monitor emission trends in close collaboration with these modelling teams and using ground-based and earth observation data. We continuously improve our emission products using feedback from users, developing new tools and models, and staying up to date with the latest scientific advances and techniques.

Your role in the team will be to support these developments and further improve the quality, accuracy and applicability of our data products to optimally support effective action on the urgent issues of climate change and air pollution. Understanding, analysing and combining of different information sources is key. You will work on compiling emissions inventories for various emission sources and applications in Europe and beyond, as well as the high resolution spatial mapping of those emissions. In practice, this involves developing and optimizing our modelling tools, processing large amounts of data, performing uncertainty assessments and verification. 

Your knowledge and skills will continuously develop as new topics and techniques arise in our field of research. One of these developments is the increasing demand for higher resolution (in both space and time) emission data, even down to the facility level. This allows comparisons with new high resolution satellite data to aid in emission verification. You will help facilitate these developments in various ways, together with a team of enthusiastic colleagues.

You are passionate about air pollution and climate change and are eager to contribute to solving societally relevant environmental problems. You have a good understanding of the processes driving air emissions. You possess relevant skills such as interpreting and processing large datasets and are willing to develop these further. You are not afraid to ask critical questions and are eager to tackle new challenges together with your colleagues. You also have the following to offer:

• A MSc or PhD degree, preferably in environmental/earth sciences, physics, chemical technology or similar;
• Understanding of the main drivers of atmospheric emissions;
• Ability to work independently, critically assess own results and collaborate with the team;
• Good communication, reporting and presentation skills in both Dutch and English;
• Experience with programming in Python for handling large datasets.

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 € 3,500 and € 4,100 (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.
• Access to our Talent Development Programme.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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.

Please apply before the 22nd 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.