Scientific Consultant New Approach Methodologies | Leiden / Utrecht - 32-40h

TNO is recruiting a Scientific Consultant to join Ombion on behalf of TNO. Ombion, the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation, is a national innovation program accelerating the adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). As a TNO employee, you will be deployed within Ombion’s front office. In this strategic role, you will help shape Ombion’s value proposition by forging strong connections between TNO’s scientific and technological propositions, Ombion’s mission, and the needs of external partners.

Are you a biomedical scientist with a strong affinity for animal-free research, technology adoption, industrial innovation, and market dynamics? As a strategic connector, you bring together TNO’s expertise and Ombion’s ambitions, align scientific capabilities with industry needs, and collaborate closely with external partners to identify opportunities and jointly develop transition projects that drive animal-free innovation forward.
Ombion is the new national Centre for Animal Free Biomedical Translation, dedicated to accelerating the shift toward human relevant, non animal technologies (NAMs). Working with a broad network of academic, industrial, and regulatory partners, Ombion develops, validates, and implements innovative models and methodologies that improve biomedical translation while reducing reliance on animal testing. Ombion’s integrated, multi year programme focuses initially on major transition projects in ALS, cystic fibrosis, osteoarthritis/rheumatic diseases, and asthma/COPD, and aims to make the Netherlands a global leader in animal free innovation.

As a Scientific Consultant your main focus is:

• Bridge science and industry: Act as a linking pin between Ombion’s proposition development, internal expertise, and new industry partners. Identify needs, match capabilities, and help shape collaborative projects, including hands-on contributions where appropriate.
• Identify business opportunities and initiate transition projects: Recognize unmet needs in NAM development. From the first year onward, initiate at least one new transition project together with relevant private stakeholders.
• Identify scientific gaps and scout for innovation: Detect barriers that currently hinder the implementation of NAMs in industry and continuously explore emerging models, technologies, and expertise, both within and beyond the Ombion consortium.
• Networking: Build and maintain a strong national and international stakeholder network to proactively attract new users and partners for Ombion and TNO, fostering collaborations with industry, CROs, technology providers, knowledge institutes, regulators, and academia that strengthen our propositions.
• Representation: Attend and represent Ombion and TNO at major scientific, technological, and partnering conferences.

• A PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a related field; experience with NAMs and/or animal-free research is a strong plus.
• At least 3 years of professional experience outside academia, ideally in the pharma, food, or nutraceutical industry, with a strong focus on networking, stakeholder engagement, consultancy, business development, or market-oriented activities rather than laboratory work.
• Excellent communication skills, an entrepreneurial, proactive, and collaborative mindset.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders and navigate scientific, strategic, and commercial environments.
• A passion for advancing animal free innovations and driving the transition in industrial R&D.

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 € 4,500 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.
• 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 22nd of March, 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.