Legal Counsel | TNO

As Legal Counsel at TNO, you will work at the cutting edge of the latest technology and contribute to solutions for societal issues such as climate change, safety, mobility, defence, ICT and medical diagnostics, among others. We are looking for several Legal Counsels (mid-level/senior) for our Legal Contracting team. Do you want to work on changes that matter together with leading companies and passionate researchers? Apply now!

Your main responsibility is to draft, review, and support with negotiating (R&D) contracts between TNO and its clients and collaboration partners. The substantive focus for this vacancy is on technological innovations. You’ll be the internal legal point of contact for enquiries about the relevant contracts. You’ll collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders and actively contribute to finding the right balance between legislation, commercial interests, and risks. In addition, you will be in contact with various stakeholders within the organisation, such as, for example, the market directors, business developers and research managers of the relevant unit. You will also fulfil a coordinating role within internal project teams, ensuring good collaboration and progress in legal processes of strategic importance.

You will work within the Legal Contracting department, part of the overall Legal, Compliance & IP department. The Legal Contracting department consists of around 35 motivated legal professionals. The overall Legal, Compliance & IP department consists of lawyers, patent and trademark attorneys, compliance and ethics professionals, contract managers and support staff, spread across the country. So within this 'broad environment', you will have every opportunity to further develop yourself. There are also plenty of opportunities to progress to other positions within the various departments of Legal, Compliance & IP.

The Legal Counsel falls hierarchically under the Head of Legal Contracting, who reports to the General Counsel. Your place of employment is to be determined. You will advise on activities taking place at various TNO sites, including Utrecht, Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Eindhoven and Helmond!

You’re an experienced Legal Counsel (mid-level/senior), who feels at home in dynamic and innovative research environments. You proactively involve the right people and - as a bridge-builder between the various legal departments within Legal, Compliance & IP - keep a close eye on all interests. In this dynamic playing field, you can move smoothly and at the same time are steadfast - making you a valuable and valued legal sounding board.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A completed legal master's degree in Dutch law or a bachelor's degree in Dutch law and a relevant specialist master's degree such as Law & Technology.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in business and/or law.
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex national and international contracts.
• Affinity with R&D and technological innovations and extensive experience with public-private partnerships is an advantage.
• Business-minded, pragmatic and cooperative, with an eye on legal risk management and focused on constructive collaboration.
• An excellent command of spoken and written Dutch and English.

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 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 26th of October, 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.

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.