Scientist in timber construction

The construction industry is facing a major challenge to boost sustainability. Timber construction is a promising solution that stakeholders are increasingly embracing. As a light, natural, and circular material, wood has many advantages. These include its CO2 uptake and reduced nitrogen emissions. Countries such as Canada and Sweden have long been happily using this excellent material, and timber construction is now also taking off in the Netherlands. And this raises a multitude of research questions. As an expert in timber structures, you’ll play a crucial role in answering the many research questions involved. Curious how your expertise can help to further enrich this field? Read on for more details on how you can contribute to this emerging revolution in construction.

You’ll be involved in various multidisciplinary research projects, in which your knowledge of timber construction will be of huge value. One example of such a multidisciplinary project is the use of recycled timber in cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction. Questions involved here include, for example, how to assess the robustness of a timber structure, how to define and guarantee the (structural) quality of the new CLT product made of used wood, and how to assess the residual strength of a timber column after a fire. You’ll take the time to deepen your knowledge of technical standards, the properties and behaviour of various types of timber, and the challenges presented by the application of timber in hybrid design and construction. On that basis, you’ll devise new technical calculation rules to help timber construction companies to develop and optimise their products, from floors and walls to complete residential units. The goal is to create successful industrial products that meet government requirements, while also fulfilling the wishes of residents and users of buildings. And in view of the many types of timber, applications and construction systems, this is a constant source of new challenges.

What makes this role especially attractive? You’ll have frequent contact with practical specialists from the construction industry, as well as with TNO colleagues and other scientists. Your team is relatively new and in development. You’ll conduct research through desk research, in our laboratories, or through field experiments and demonstrators. You’ll be working with professionals in areas including fire safety, sustainability, wood technology, soundproofing, limiting moisture effects, and production safety. Together, you’ll be doing pioneering work in timber construction and bringing innovative insights from the international market and the scientific community to Dutch builders. The result? A huge boost for sustainable and circular construction!
Read more about your unit: Buildings, Infrastructure, and Maritime

First and foremost, you have a huge passion and enthusiasm for timber. To be successful at TNO, you also need a healthy measure of curiosity. You always want to know why things work the way they do and actively seek out answers yourself. You’d like to be involved in building the team and helping it to make its mark in this field. You also enjoy sharing your findings with a diverse audience, whether through a scientific publication or in conversation with a contractor working with timber structures.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A master’s degree in civil engineering or architecture from a technical university. Preferably, you also have a PhD.
• Some relevant work experience is an advantage, but we’re also interested in recent graduates.
• You have a clear affinity for timber construction and have knowledge of mechanics and preferably also materials science and wood design.
• You know how to carry out research studies and have up-to-date knowledge of modern research methods and techniques.
• You have a good command of English and preferably also Dutch.

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 € 3.300,- 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.

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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

You will work together in a multidisciplinary team. Specifically, you will work in the Building Materials & Structures department with over 50 other colleagues. This department is part of the unit Mobility & Built Environment (MBE), where about 450 driven experts work on construction and infrastructure. We have backgrounds in architecture, civil engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry and digitalisation. We work on social issues in the fields of safety, health and sustainability. Our knowledge base covers the entire life cycle of a building. From initial plans, to design, implementation and use of the building and its eventual demolition. Here, parts can again be a valuable source for reuse. The department offers you varied work in multiple projects for different clients. The scope of the projects can vary from experimental research into new (applications of) technology, simulation and feasibility studies, execution and analysis of measurement campaigns to the actual construction of prototypes and even end products together with industrial partners. Your work is therefore very diverse and different every day. You will do all this in a close-knit team in an open and informal culture.

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 9th of May, 2024. 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.