Scientist Particle Expertise Center | Utrecht

Do you want to contribute to solutions aimed at reducing the emission of microplastics and work on projects focusing on air quality? Are you a motivated scientist with a hands-on mindset? Read on!

You will join the Environmental Modelling, Sensing & Analysis (EMSA) department within the unit Energy and Materials Transition. Your ambition is to make a crucial contribution as a scientist to the development of our knowledge in both microplastics and particulate matter. You are a creative scientist with an engineering and hands-on mindset. Through innovative experiments and analyses, you aim to gain a better understanding of particles, such as the emission of microplastics during circular plastics processes and unraveling the complex mixture of particulate matter. Using scanning electron microscopy combined with innovative data processing, you will contribute to future solutions.

You have a passion for the environment and enjoy collaborating in a multidisciplinary team of experts, including scientists, fieldworkers, and project managers, within our Particle Expertise Center. In this team, you will participate in (multidisciplinary) research and customer projects. You are an enthusiastic and proactive team player with a broad scientific interest, seeking complex challenges. This involves measuring and detecting particles using various techniques in the lab (e.g., SEM-EDX/CL, µFTIR, ICP-MS, GC-MS, LC-MSMS). You will become an expert in SEM-EDX/CL, where data processing plays a crucial role. You understand the language of material technology, grasp chemical sciences, and have knowledge of programming languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB. You are intrinsically motivated to understand how things work, employing your experimental mindset: designing an experiment, conducting it, recognizing areas for improvement, and making adjustments to achieve optimal results.

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 € 3.124,- and € 5.522,- (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.

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 and inclusion.

Please apply before the 11th of December, 2023. 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 Good Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (The Dutch General Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.