Deputy Research Manager Intelligence & Decision Support | The Hague

Globally, conflict, crime, and subversive activities threaten our security. To resist these threats, IDS is working on innovative research and its application among our security partners. Our research and related innovative developments support the Ministry of Defence and the police in making the best informed decisions and carrying out automated and semi-automated actions. They also contribute to the development of decision support models at the Public Prosecutor and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers and enable the use of NLP for the analysis of criminal messages. The IDS research group consists of a team of 35 driven colleagues with diverse expertise and backgrounds and falls within the Autonomous Systems & Decision Support (AS&DS) division, one of the five divisions within our Defense Safety and Security (DSS) umbrella unit.

Within this dynamic environment, as a Deputy Research Manager, you’ll offer the formative group of professionals the attention and support they need. Your duties will cover all aspects of the department, from the strategic development and portfolio of the department, optimising collaboration with other departments, monitoring projects and their intended results, to the personal development of employees. In the absence of the Research Manager, you’ll deputise.
You will divide the various responsibilities with the Research Manager by agreement. Within our growing department, new people are hired regularly, and in your role, you’ll be partly responsible for maintaining and promoting an inspiring and motivating working environment. You’ll do this by contributing to an effective induction and familiarisation programme, facilitating strong social ties, and creating calm and stability, among other things.

You’re a good interlocutor for all colleagues in the department, whether it’s about strategy, the group's knowledge base, developments in the market, or personal development. You enjoy helping to develop ideas and giving feedback and are genuinely interested in the work and the people in the department. You’re aware of your exemplary role, actively carry out your vision, show exemplary behaviour, create trust, and inspire the team. You’re an ambassador for the department, at TNO and beyond. 

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A STEM background, for example in artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, data science, or business analytics, so you are able to understand (at short notice) what the professionals in the team are working on every day.
• Decisiveness and a clear communication style.
• A people-oriented management style in a high-tech R&D environment.
• Experience in managing professionals.
• A good command of Dutch and English.
• A relevant network among relevant external stakeholders is a plus.

Do you recognise yourself in our leadership profile?
At TNO, we welcome people who want to shape the world of tomorrow. You’ll also make your mark on our time in a leadership role. By inspiring others with a clear vision of the future. But also by creating a home for diverse generations and perspectives. Embracing differences comes naturally to you, and you like to include your colleagues in that. In any case, you get energy from guiding, encouraging, and facilitating professionals – in the way that suits them. And you challenge them to push their boundaries.

Your gaze is directed outwards. You know what’s going on around us. With an entrepreneurial mindset, you’ll build relevant networks, follow market trends, and explore commercial opportunities. This is how you and your team arrive at solutions to issues and challenges that really matter. You understand that those challenges are constantly changing and that technology is evolving faster than ever. And you also understand what that requires of you. Namely, that you move with the times and continuously adapt your leadership style to new situations. This is how your leadership also innovates.
 
If you don’t (yet) fully recognise yourself in the above leadership profile, but still think that you would be a good fit for this job, make sure to respond. Together, we’ll find out whether there’s 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 € 85,000 and € 105,000 (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.

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.

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 6th of July, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 18th of July, 2025. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 28th of Jyli, 2025. 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.

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.

Only applicable to internal applications:
If you are interested, we welcome your application to this LD position. To qualify for an LD position, you are requested to write a reflection report in accordance with the Dutch or English format. Please upload your CV, covering letter and reflection report using the ‘apply now’ button. We will evaluate your match with the profile, on which you will receive feedback. Would you like to know more about the LD procedure? Read more, or contact the LD consultant.