Medior Scientist Vulnerability and Lethality Analyses

The Platform Protection & Advanced Materials (PPAM) department is looking for several new colleagues. You’ll be working in an environment where experimentation and theory reinforce each other, and where your ideas and insights contribute to innovative solutions. Your work directly contributes to the safety of military personnel and the improvement of protection systems that can save lives. Whether you're just starting out or already have experience, we offer room to grow and further develop your expertise.

PPAM is part of the TNO unit Defense, Safety & Security (DSS) and consists of around 40 colleagues who conduct research on the effects of munitions on military vehicles, personnel, and infrastructure. We contribute to the development, usage advice, and evaluation of systems deployed by the Dutch armed forces. The department conducts both theoretical and experimental research.

At PPAM, we value collaboration, diverse perspectives, and a safe working environment where everyone can thrive. You’ll be part of a multidisciplinary team where knowledge sharing and learning together are central.


As a Scientist in Vulnerability and Lethality Analyses, you’ll work within a team focused on modeling the vulnerability and lethality of defense systems. This modeling is crucial for determining the effectiveness of weapon systems and the vulnerability of defense systems such as vehicles or personal protective equipment.

TNO has developed a specialized computational tool for this purpose (TARVAC – TARget Vulnerability Assessment Code), which is used to conduct vulnerability/lethality studies. Input for the TARVAC tool comes partly from experimental research conducted in our unique Ballistic Research Laboratory.

Together with our clients and partners from the Ministry of Defence and the defense industry, you’ll work on the development and validation of TARVAC and use this tool to advise on vulnerability/lethality issues.

You’ll focus on munition effects—the underlying physics, simulations, experiments, and analysis of simulation and experimental results. This helps you develop an understanding of what exactly happens during an explosion or bullet impact and the effects on the impacted object. You’ll also contribute to the development and application of our computational tool. You’ll report and present the results of your work within project teams and to our clients and partners.

You are an enthusiastic, creative, and practically oriented researcher with relevant experience, who enjoys working with others and is curious about how technology can contribute to safety. You have an open and proactive attitude and are eager to contribute to generating and applying knowledge for our clients. You keep the practical application in mind, with a critical eye and attention to detail. You are socially and communicatively skilled and able to explain complex concepts in an understandable way, for example to a client with a less technical background. You’re willing to take responsibility for results and your own development. In this role, you combine leadership with technical content. We’re looking for a decisive colleague who can quickly grasp the subject matter and provide direction based on a solid knowledge foundation. Important: You don’t need to know everything already—so even if you don’t meet all the knowledge requirements, we encourage you to apply.

You also bring:

• A completed university degree (WO) in a relevant technical field, such as Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Applied Physics;
• At least 5 years of work experience in a relevant research environment and/or within a defense context;
• Affinity with:
  • Identifying dominant physical phenomena and describing them in engineering models required for TARVAC;
  • Writing scripts (e.g., in Python, Matlab, C#);
  • Geometric modeling (e.g., SolidWorks);
  • Reporting and version control (e.g., Gitlab, PDM);
• Preferably some knowledge of mechanics and/or biomechanics;
• Interest in preparing and successfully conducting and supervising experimental research as part of a team;
• Proficiency in both Dutch and English, spoken and written. For Dutch, at least C1 level is required.

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 € 3,900 and € 6,000 (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.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

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, equity and inclusion.

Please apply before 19th of October, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 28th of October, 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 Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.