Research Fellow Formal Methods

About this position

You will have the unique opportunity of raising the systems engineering competencies in the high tech industry to higher levels, building on the knowledge and insights generated by the research projects performed by your colleagues at our industry partners (ASML, Canon, ITEC, Philips, Thales and Vanderlande).

What will be your role?

You will participate in a strategic research team, working in one of the TNO-ESI research projects, where you explore new capabilities for software-intensive high-tech systems and applications. These research teams spend most of their time working on the customer premises. Your work will be in the research cluster Embedded Systems Innovation on the topic of system engineering dealing with formal methods, verification, simulation, software synthesis. One of the objectives of TNO- ESI is to embed cutting edge methodologies to resolve industry needs in the High Tech Industry.
At this moment there are several projects in TNO-ESI in which application of formal methods is investigated together with industry partners. As example one of our projects researches how requirement models can be used to synthesize supervisory controllers. The synthesized models are further used for the generation of system artifacts, deployment strategies, but also for formal verification on specific system aspects (like the absence of deadlocks). An important aspect in working with formal methods is how to map these on a Domain Specific Language that fits better with the interests and capabilities of the intended users.
Your work consists of researching the problem, developing proof of concepts to demonstrate the problem, develop different scenarios for solutions; demonstrate the business value, constraints and benefits of these solutions and help bring them into industrial use. More about ESI? watch this video introducing ESI

What we expect from you

You are a goal-oriented and self-driven professional energized by delivering high quality results and willing to learn from new experiences and your colleagues. You are passionate about helping improve the industrial systems engineering way of working by raising the relevant competences of individuals and teams. You are familiar with systems architecting / systems engineering methods processes & required competences. You have a strong background in formal methods and experience with applying theory into practice. You have an affinity with the high-tech world and are fascinated by the role of human aspects in innovation and technology development. At the same time you are resilient in the face of organizational and operational difficulties that are part and parcel of the dynamics of the high tech industry. You can adapt and respond fast to new insights from research and changing needs of the application domain.

•You have an academic degree, preferably Master or PhD in Computer Science, Mathematics, Electrical Engineering or equivalent
•You have a mix of academic and professional working experiences
•You have an affinity and interest in solving challenges of engineering complex high tech systems with novel model-driven methodologies enabling efficient and effective engineering processes.
•You have strong foundations in MBSE, domain specific languages and formal methods, in particular with theory and practice of model-based testing, model learning and model checking techniques.
•Familiarity with at least one of the formalisms of state machines, labelled transition systems, Petri nets or process algebra is a pre-requisite.
•Familiarity with industry standard modeling languages such as SysML, UML, BPMN is a pre-requisite.
•You can give energy to a group
•You look at things from a systems perspective (business, customer, technology)
•You can lead and facilitate conversations of diverse groups towards a common research goal

What you'll get in return

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 € 4500 and € 6600 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13^th 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 plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
• An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.

At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.

The selection process

Please apply before the 31st of May, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 10th of June, 2026. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 23rd of June, 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.
A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.