Scientist Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, CBRN Protection

Imagine a soldier in a conflict zone, an emergency responder at a chemical incident, or a civilian accidentally exposed to a hazardous substance. Thanks to the research conducted within the CBRN Protection department, they can carry out 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. Here, medical countermeasures against toxic substances are developed, their effects in the human body are studied, and you contribute to solutions with global impact. Do you want to contribute as a Scientist to groundbreaking research with direct societal value? Then we would be pleased to meet you.

As a Scientist at TNO, you are involved throughout the entire lifecycle of a project: contributing to the customer’s research question and drafting a research proposal, drawing up a (experimental) project plan, developing, building and validating the required test setup, performing laboratory experiments, and analysing, reporting and presenting the research results.

We are looking for a Scientist to strengthen a team in which toxicologists work together with, among others, organic and analytical chemists, pharmacologists and biologists on our research projects. A key part of your role is performing in vitro and in vivo experiments for the development of medical countermeasures and treatment strategies against toxic chemical substances. You will work on the characterisation of the mechanisms of action of these substances and drugs at various levels within the organism, using biochemical, physiological and pharmacological techniques.

You contribute to technical innovations by conducting experiments and desk studies. In doing so, you primarily use in vitro and in vivo methods aimed at translation to humans and strive to implement the latest innovations. You work in a multidisciplinary team and are given the space to further develop your expertise. The results of your work have direct societal impact and can save lives in both military and civilian contexts.

About the department
You will work in the CBRN Protection department, where we conduct research into, among other things, the toxicology of chemical substances and the effects of potential new medical countermeasures. The department works with a wide range of clients and partners. Our primary client is the Ministry of Defence, but we also carry out projects for and in collaboration with other government organisations, European consortia and industrial partners.
We have access to high quality and complex facilities, including a HighTOX laboratory, an organic synthesis laboratory, BSL 2 and BSL 3 laboratories, animal research facilities, a (bio)aerosol test chamber and a state of the art mass spectrometry facility.

The department consists of approximately 50 professionals: scientists, researchers, project leaders, consultants and managers with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. Due to natural turnover, the team has become younger in recent years and now consists of 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 creative, flexible and enthusiastic; you enjoy hands on laboratory work and critically assess experimental outcomes. In addition, you are proactive, customer oriented, entrepreneurial and able to translate a client’s question into research and innovative ideas. You enjoy working in a team and like connecting and inspiring colleagues.
You are also able to work independently, are accurate and structured with a strong focus on quality, and have excellent command of both English and Dutch, orally and in writing.

What else do you bring?

• A completed university degree (Master’s or PhD) in a biomedical or biopharmaceutical field; relevant work experience is an advantage;
• Relevant experience in toxicological and/or pharmacological research is a plus;
• You hold an Article 9 qualification (Dutch Experiments on Animals Act);
• Experience with biotechnical operations, particularly surgical techniques, is a plus;
• Experience in reporting and presenting research results;
• Experience with project based working;
• Interest in the Defence and Security domain. Demonstrable experience within the Defence domain is an advantage.

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 € 3,500 and € 4,300 (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 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 our Talent Development Programme.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• 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 13th of May, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first interview is planned on the 26th of May, 2026 and the second interview on the 4th 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.