Senior Scientist Groundwater quality | Utrecht

You will be part of TNO Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN), the knowledge centre for safe and sustainable subsurface use. GDN provides independent data, information and knowledge of the subsurface for the benefit of public information and decision-making. In this context, we work on innovations in geological applications and technologies, among other things to accelerate the energy transition and protect groundwater. Groundwater plays a vital role in our society, serving agricultural, industrial, and domestic water demands. Relevant challenges include climate change, contamination, overexploitation, and competing demands for the same groundwater resources. Recent hydrological extremes underscore the need for climate-proof groundwater management.

This position is part of the department Hydrology & Reservoir Engineering (HRE). HRE has developed strong expertise and a comprehensive project portfolio in groundwater management, covering the characterization of groundwater level and flow regimes, hydraulic characterization of geological sediments, groundwater quality including groundwater - sediment interaction, flow and (reactive) transport of water and contaminants in groundwater and soils, tracer hydrology and leaching from waste materials re-used in the environment. HRE develops methodologies for trend analysis to forecast water quality and quantity evolution, define strategies for cost-effective monitoring, study potential for underground thermal energy storage and investigate geochemical sediment/soil – water interaction. Our research portfolio is strongly supported with publicly available information products, such as REGIS and our viewers GrondwaterstandeninBeeld and GrondwaterkwaliteitinBeeld.

What are you going to do?

You will enhance the department's expertise and technology in groundwater quality research. You have the ability to identify trends and new opportunities, assess technical feasibility, and collaboratively develop and communicate a vision. Additionally, you possess the skills to connect various areas of expertise within our organization and guide the development of innovative technologies and applications.

You are adept at understanding the challenges and needs of our clients and use this insight to steer research and explore new opportunities. Regularly coordinating with stakeholders at multiple levels is a key aspect of your role. Therefore, you have an established network, excellent collaboration skills, and you proactively develop new initiatives.

Your role will be to increase strategic cooperation with stakeholders to improve excellence, and stimulate growth and impact. You will act as figurehead and thought leader based on your broad groundwater knowledge and experience related to groundwater quality, in which you:

• Coordinate knowledge development within the domain of hydrochemistry for groundwater management towards high-level scientific output, while anticipating on practical application of research results.
• Understand industrial, governmental, agricultural and societal challenges and translate insights into key research projects.
• Collaborate with governments (regional, national and EU level), knowledge institutes, other European geological services, water authorities, businesses, and universities.
• Strategically strengthen the knowledge base through contributing to hydrological field, laboratory and modelling research in order to protect groundwater resources and contribute to an acceleration of the energy transition.
• Advance groundwater information products and models to support fact-based decision making.

• You have at least 10 years of relevant experience in the field of hydrochemistry for groundwater management including giving advice towards governments and commercial partners and are used to work in complex multi-level stakeholder groups.
• A PhD in earth sciences, (geo)hydrology, geochemistry or related field.
• An interest in using digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to advance innovations
• You are excited to contribute to and steer the process of creation of novel scientific ideas and have the ability to connect technology with market and socially driven challenges, supported by a strong network.
• You have a pioneering mentality and have good verbal and digital communication skills, energy, creativity and curiosity, to be able to convince and inspire colleagues, partners and clients.
• You contribute to the department’s strategy and can coach, support and guide scientists and contribute to their professional development.
• You are proficient in English, both written and spoken. Dutch proficiency is a strong advantage.

Do you feel you are the right person for this position? We encourage you to apply even though you might not fulfil to all requirements mentioned above.

What’s in it for you:

• You will become part of a recently established, diverse, enthusiastic, and growing department of geohydrologists, geochemists, geologists, and reservoir engineers.
• You will support the Dutch government and society by solving societal challenges, such as the pressures on the groundwater system posed by climate change and the energy transition.
• You will have access to a wide variety of research groups, so that you can take a multidisciplinary approach to projects.
• You will have the opportunity to initiate and steer projects and programmes to turn your own research ideas and those of others into applications.
• You will have access to internal funding for research projects.

We are flexible in shaping the role that best suits you and your professional ambitions and drives. We offer flexible appointment possibilities in combination with a university position or other external partnerships.

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 € 6.000,- and € 8.000,- (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.
• 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 9th of November, 2025. 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.