Experienced researcher pipelines | Delft

The shallow subsurface in the Netherlands is increasingly crowded and complex to manage. Existing underground infrastructure - such as pipelines - is aging, and asset owners often lack sufficient insight into the actual structural condition of their assets. Repurposing existing structures demands thorough analysis because required investments are substantial, making it essential to distribute maintenance and replacement costs carefully over time.

With limited available data, asset owners need dependable assessments to guide decisions. TNO Reliable Structures provides crucial support by monitoring and modelling structural behaviour and ultimately converting this information into risk and reliability analyses. These analyses form the foundation for well‑substantiated asset‑management decisions under uncertainty.

Would you like to contribute to managing these challenges? Would you like to work in an organization that focusses on the real societal challenges that form the bottlenecks of the large transitions of our time? Then we would like to meet you!

As an experienced researcher, you will predict the (residual) lifetime or failure modes of existing and new structures to ensure and maintain structural safety. Your focus will predominantly lie on steel transportation pipelines, culverts and sewage systems. Working alongside top experts, you’ll develop methods to accurately predict the (remaining) lifetime of these structures. Your work may involve development of analytical methods, numerical models and experiments conducted in the Delft Building Innovation Lab or on site. 

You’ll also contribute to the valorisation/publication of new knowledge, including its integration into normative frameworks.

Example research questions that inspire you are:

• How can we re-purpose existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen (mixtures)?
• How can we contribute to a design standard for such an application?
• What minimum information is needed to reliably assess an existing pipeline?
• How can we best support our clients in acquiring and interpreting such data?
• What monitoring techniques are best suited for evaluating the condition and performance of these structures?
• Which disciplines that border your expertise domain could help you make more impact?

Your team
You’ll join the Steel Team, part of the Reliable Structures department (~50FTE) at TNO. This team includes around 15 researchers and 2 project leaders. Collegiality, safety, involvement, and dedication are central to the culture. The members of the Steel Team work closely together with their direct colleagues on risk & reliability, dynamics and (field)testing. Moreover, working at TNO means you have access to world-renowned researchers in a vast array of disciplines, which can help you and your team to truly innovate.

You’ll collaborate with all these colleagues to address questions from asset managers and regularly meet with clients to clarify research questions or present results. Project team sizes vary depending on complexity and scope, and you’ll work with a range of specialists.

Within project teams, you’ll actively contribute to research and solution development using analytical methods, numerical models, or experiments. You may conduct measurements at pipelines in the field or simulate loads in our unique laboratories. You’ll analyse data, build models, interpret results, produce clear reports, and convert your results directly into client advice. 

You’ll work on several projects simultaneously, responsibly and autonomously. You have a solid knowledge base and a naturally curious mindset. You enjoy learning and developing yourself - both professionally and personally. TNO provides you with all the support for that. Your analytical skills enable you to ask the right questions and approach challenges with insight. You enjoy collaborating with colleagues and external partners to achieve shared goals. 

Your profile:

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical engineering, or similar.
• Specialisation in pipelines is a distinctive advantage.
• Experience modelling structural behaviour of steel structures (e.g. Abaqus, Ansys) in a company or research setting.
• Data analysis skills (e.g. Python, Matlab, MathCad).
• Experience in performing/designing experiments counts as a distinctive advantage.
• Brings active research network for future collaborations.
• Motivated to help develop research ideas into proposals.
• Interest in steel structures and strong insight into their behaviour.
• Affinity with civil engineering structures.
• Strong command of English and willingness to achieve Dutch (B1 level) within one year.

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 € 4,600 and € 6,500 (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, equity and inclusion.

Please apply beforethe 6th of February, 2026. 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.