Project Manager CBRN Protection | Rijswijk

Imagine a soldier in a conflict zone, a first responder at a chemical incident, or a civilian inadvertently exposed to a hazardous substance. Thanks to the research conducted within the CBRN Protection department, they can perform their work safely and are protected against life threatening chemical and biological agents. Within the CBRN Protection department, you work at the forefront of innovation and safety. As a project manager, you bring together multidisciplinary teams, monitor the progress of research projects, and create the conditions that enable scientists and specialists to perform at their best. In doing so, you make an indirect yet essential contribution to the development of medical countermeasures and solutions with global impact. Do you want to play a key role in groundbreaking research with direct societal relevance? We would be pleased to get to know you.

As a project manager, you are responsible for a portfolio of departmental projects, with a specific focus on Medical Countermeasures and Toxicology. These projects primarily involve conducting in vitro and in vivo experiments. You work together with a team of scientists and researchers on projects for a variety of clients. The goal is to deliver an agreed set of project results on time and within budget. Those results vary: sometimes they involve a feasibility study or analysis, and other times the development of a prototype or a final product.

You will always be working on multiple projects simultaneously, which means switching continuously between different topics during your workday. Most projects are carried out for clients in the defence and security domain. You develop a sharp understanding of the needs behind client requests as well as the frameworks and interests of each project. You then plan and organize the research together with your team of experts.

Within projects, you provide direction to deliver high quality answers to clients and to strengthen the department’s knowledge base. You are responsible for managing, processing, and organizing various administrative processes within your projects. Thanks to you, project team members know exactly what is expected of them and are given ample opportunity to develop themselves. You pay particular attention to the development of junior team members. In addition, you actively explore new ways to bring the knowledge developed within the department to the market, working closely with subject matter experts and business developers.

About the department
You will be working in the CBRN Protection department, where we conduct research into, among other areas, the toxicology of chemical substances and the functioning of potential new medical countermeasures. The department works with a broad range of clients and partners. Our primary client is the Ministry of Defence, but we also carry out projects for other government organizations, European consortia, and industrial partners.

We have access to high quality, complex facilities, including a HighTOX laboratory, an organic synthesis laboratory, BSL 2 and BSL 3 laboratories, animal testing facilities, a (bio)aerosol testing chamber, and a state of the art mass spectrometry facility.

The department consists of approximately 50 professionals: scientists, researchers, project managers, consultants, and managers with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. In recent years, the team has rejuvenated through natural attrition and now forms a close knit, dynamic, and diverse group in which organic chemists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, analytical chemists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, and aerosol physicists work closely together. Read more about the CBRN Protection department here.

You are a true organizer who enjoys independently getting complex projects up and running and successfully completing them to a high standard. You speak the language of scientists and technical professionals, and you are particularly strong in translating the added value of our work into a message that resonates with clients. You enjoy working collaboratively, have an eye for the development of colleagues, and are able to build ambitious teams that strive for success. You excel at translating applied scientific research into usable solutions for the (international) market. Throughout all of this, you demonstrate entrepreneurship and flexibility, enabling you to switch smoothly between different projects and stakeholders.

In addition, you bring:

• A completed Master’s degree (WO level) in chemistry, (medical) biology, or toxicology;
• At least 5 years of demonstrable experience as a project manager and/or programme manager;
• Interest in the Defence and Security domain; demonstrable experience in the defence domain is an advantage;
• Experience with EU projects is an advantage;
• Excellent command of both Dutch and English, verbally and in writing.

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 € 4.400,- and € 7.200,- (based on your knowledge and experience - we are interested in both medior as well as senior level candidates), 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 plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various employee networks that foster connection and give advice.
• 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• 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 April, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first interview is planned on the 7th of May, 2026. The second interview is planned on the 18th of May, 2026. 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.