Deputy Research Manager Electromagnetic Signatures & Propagation

Safety and security cannot be taken for granted. Sometimes, you have to fight for peace. There is always a frontline somewhere, where history is being written. The impact on our armed forces of rising tensions around the world, especially the ongoing struggle over Ukraine, is huge. The knowledge and technology needs of our founding partner, the Dutch Ministry of Defence, are evolving and changing more quickly, the pace is accelerating and research and development budgets are growing fast. By extension, the focus on our national (homeland) security is also intensifying, for instance in the fight against worsening drug-related crime in the Netherlands. This is where knowledge and technology make the difference and we translate that into our mission! In order to remain efficient and agile and to better serve our clients, the Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) unit will be divided into five divisions, under which the research groups have been organised. The change will go into effect on the 1st of January 2024. During the redesign of the DSS unit, 23 new groups were created from the original 15 research groups by splitting off and/or merging parts of research groups. For the research group Electromagnetic Signatures & Propagation, we are looking for a Deputy Research Manager. The research group Electromagnetic Signatures & Propagation is a spin-off from another research group. It is one of six research groups within the Electromagnetics & Military Operations division. The research group brings together expertise on the visibility/invisibility of (military) platforms for sensors operating in different parts of the wavelength range, also called electromagnetic signatures. A key component within this is expertise on how these electromagnetic waves propagate.

You’ll run the research group Electromagnetic Signatures & Propagation together with the Research Manager. This group is based in The Hague and currently comprises 40 professionals. 

As departmental leaders, you’ll be close to our researchers, know in outline what they’re working on and establish optimal conditions for them to excel. In doing so, you continuously strike a balance between capitalizing on market trends and meeting our customer’s need on one hand, as well as fostering knowledge development within the team on the other.

Together, you’ll determine how best to divide the various roles between you, based on your individual interests and competences. Your tasks will cover all aspects of the research group, such as employee development, recruitment and selection, development of the department's strategy and portfolio, seamless cooperation with other research groups, monitoring of projects and their intended results and facility management. You are the strategic sparring partner and deputy to your supervisor.

The research group is growing and new people are hired regularly. As Deputy Research Manager, you will be co-responsible for ensuring a pleasant working environment, a good onboarding program, fostering social interaction, as well as tranquility and stability.

Unit DSS has four strategic objectives for the coming years. (a) We will be a strong catalyst for the Netherlands Defence & Security Industrial base, giving the Dutch government and industry more strategic autonomy and leverage; (b) We will deliver our impact much faster; (c) We will develop our entire portfolio through joint strategic programming with our key partners and clients; (d) We will create an inspiring place to work and grow for everyone. We challenge you to contribute to realising these objectives.

You’re ready for the next step with managerial responsibilities.

Helping others to realise their full potential: that’s what energises you! Especially if it means you’re contributing to a safe society. You have a talent for coaching, connecting, and motivating others – and yourself. You have an eye for everyone’s strengths, are independent and structured in forming you plan, and quickly set the right priorities.

Listening with genuine interest, engaging with each other and thinking along, this is how you discover another person's strengths. And how you can complement each other as individuals and as a team to achieve effective cooperation. You're brimming with ideas for improving teamwork, in any case.

The result you envisage? Satisfied employees who deliver excellent work.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO

• A university degree in a technical field and the ability to quickly understand the work of the professionals on your team are working on.
• You’re a people-oriented manager in a high-tech R&D environment.
• You have experience in managing, developing and supervising knowledge professionals working in a challenging environment for demanding customers.
• You’re preferably familiar with Defence projects and have passed a security screening (VGB-B). If you do not have a screening, we will apply for a VGB-B.
• A good command of Dutch and English.
• A network with relevant external stakeholders is a plus.

Do you recognise yourself in our leadership profile?
At TNO, we welcome people who aspire to shape the world of tomorrow. Even in a leadership role, you leave your mark on the times. By inspiring with a clear vision of the future. But also by creating an inclusive environment for diverse generations and perspectives. Embracing differences comes naturally to you and you like to take colleagues along with you. In any case, you get energy from guiding, motivating and facilitating professionals in a way that suits them. You help them discover their potential and believe in it. And you challenge them to push their boundaries.

Your focus is outward. You are aware of what is happening around us. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you build relevant networks, monitor market trends and explore commercial opportunities. Together with your team, you enable solutions for issues and challenges that really matter. You understand that these challenges are constantly evolving and that technology is developing faster than ever. You understand what is expected of you. That you adapt to the times and continuously adjust your leadership style to new situations. That’s excellent, as it fosters innovation in your leadership.

If you don’t fully recognise yourself in all of the above, but still think that this is the right job for you, be sure to respond. Together we will find out whether there is a match.

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 € 5.600,- and € 7.400,- (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[OPTIONAL] or a leased car.
• 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 and inclusion.

Please apply before the 23rd 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.

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.