Senior Scientist Heat Pump Application Center | Delft

Do you have a strong interest in connecting fundamental and applied research to market applications and valorisation pathways? Would you like to make a structural societal and economic impact through this? Then join our team of dedicated specialists with the mission to accelerate the realization of an energy neutral and sustainable built environment. As a Senior Scientist Heat Pump Application Center, you will make an essential contribution to leading research on heat pumps and sustainable building installations. You explicitly act as a figurehead towards external stakeholders and provide substantive leadership within this dynamic field.

As Senior Scientist Heat Pump Application Center, you work on the development of innovative solutions for sustainable building installations. Within TNO, you will hold a strategic and visible role with significant content-related freedom and societal impact. Your focus includes topics such as real world performance of (hybrid) heat pump systems, smart control of heat pumps and domestic hot water production, improved (holistic) installation practices, and noise emissions.

You represent TNO towards partners, clients, policymakers, and (inter)national networks, and actively contribute to positioning TNO as a leading knowledge organisation in the energy transition. You thus play a clear content strategic role within and beyond the team. Operating at the interface of academic knowledge and market-oriented R&D, you can translate societal and industrial developments into a clear long term vision for TNO’s internal knowledge development. You develop, safeguard, and renew coherent knowledge and innovation lines, balancing scientific depth with practical applicability. You provide an inspiring narrative and actively encourage colleagues to contribute.

Within TNO, you work closely with Business Developers and Scientists to translate research challenges and industrial needs into promising, complex projects, often in consortia. Your insights into implementation, scaling, and application of innovations—e.g. via pilots, demonstration projects, or living labs—make a real difference. You also understand how to integrate the value of the TNO Heat Pump Application Center (lab facility) into these efforts.
From the knowledge agenda, you represent TNO in external bodies and networks and act as the substantive point of contact in your area of expertise.

You are an experienced scientist with a strong academic or industrial R&D background and extensive experience in sustainable heating and cooling systems. You naturally navigate between fundamental knowledge and applied solutions and feel at home at the intersection of science, the market, and societal impact.

You possess the ability to integrate knowledge, provide direction, and make decisions in complex content driven issues. You can interpret scientific and technological trends and position the team toward societal and market needs. In doing so, you actively contribute to vision development at team and programme level and translate this into robust research and development lines. Colleagues regard you as a content leader, coach, and source of inspiration, and you gladly support their professional development.
You feel ownership over the substantive quality and positioning of your field and take responsibility accordingly. You look beyond the boundaries of individual projects, operate at programme level, and strengthen connections between TNO units with similar knowledge bases.

Background and experience

• PhD or MSc with demonstrable senior-level expertise in (mechanical) engineering, energy technology, applied physics, or a related domain.
• Market knowledge of building services engineering, including current developments regarding various types of grid congestion.
• At least 10 years of relevant experience in research and/or innovation, with a substantial part in a leading or guiding role.
• In depth expertise in heat pump technology and related systems, such as thermal storage, building installations, and system integration.
• Strong foundation in systems thinking: from component level to building and energy system level.
• Knowledge of modelling and data analysis (Matlab/Simulink and/or Python).
• Demonstrable experience in developing a medium to long term research vision and translating it into coherent knowledge development.
• Experience as a substantive figurehead and representative in national and international networks, consortia, and public private partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills in Dutch (minimum B1) 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 between € 6,000 and € 8,500 (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 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 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 before the 3rd of May, 2026. The selection process comprises three 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.