Senior Scientist Advanced Materials | The Hague

The Platform Protection & Advanced Materials (PPAM) department is part of TNO Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) and has about 45 colleagues working on the development and testing of vehicle protection concepts and advanced (protection) materials against ballistic threats and explosions. We do this international work largely within the military domain and partly within the civilian domain. With our support, new protection technologies are developed that are eventually deployed by the units of the Dutch (and often also foreign) police and armed forces. Both theoretical and experimental research is carried out within the department.

As Senior Scientist, Advanced Materials, you will take the lead within the Advanced Materials team in developing and improving new material and protective concepts for high-dynamic loads such as impact – including ballistic impact – or explosions.

An important objective, for example, is to develop more lightweight concepts for vehicles that optimise the relationship between protection and agility. Solutions can be found in the use of composite materials, among other options.

Together with our clients and partners in Defence and industry, you’ll work on the development and validation of new and existing materials and concepts to ensure that they can be deployed in practice. To this end, you are able to translate complex technological challenges from the outside world into relevant lines of research for the Advanced Materials team. By setting up and implementing new projects with national and international partners, you give substance to the research.

Together with the team, you will deal with physics, numerical and other simulations, experiments and analyses. In doing so, you will develop an understanding of exactly what happens in an explosion or during bullet impact. For experimental work, TNO DSS has the unique Laboratory for Ballistic Research, where real shooting and explosions can take place. In addition, small and large experiments are regularly carried out by a special measurement team at outdoor test sites, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Naturally, you’ll carefully report on the results of the research.

Based on our knowledge of new and existing technologies, you will advise commissioning parties, including the Dutch Ministry of Defence and national and international companies, on innovations and current and future implementation of new materials and protection concepts and align internal and external strategic agendas.

We are looking for an experienced and entrepreneurial colleague with an affinity for lightweight protection materials. Naturally, you have a good grasp of the content at a high level and are able to set the strategic direction and explain the added value of TNO research both internally and externally. You have an open and proactive attitude and possess consultancy skills that enable you to forge excellent links between TNO’s expertise in advanced materials and the intended applications in the field. You are curious and experienced in setting up new research proposals and implementing complex projects aimed at impactful results.

With your enthusiasm and focus on results, you are not afraid to go off the beaten track. You always keep the final practical application in mind. You are social and communicative, ensuring effective collaboration. You can easily adapt in a rapidly changing environment and are able to articulate complex concepts comprehensibly, for example for clients with a less technical background. You like to take charge, maintain an overview and take responsibility for the team result, the individual result and your own development. Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A completed university degree, preferably with a PhD in a relevant technical field, such as Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Materials Science.
• At least 10 years of experience within a relevant research or development environment and/or within the Defence context.
• Experience in setting up and implementing complex research and/or development projects.
• Knowledge of mechanics/dynamics of, for example, composite materials.
• Affinity for numerical techniques (especially FEM software).
• Experience in preparing and successfully conducting and supervising experimental research as part of a team.
• Excellent reporting skills, preferably demonstrated through scientific articles.
• A command of spoken and written Dutch and English, at least at B1 level.

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 € 6,852 and € 8,826 (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.
• 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 27th 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.

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.