TNO

About this position

Do you want to contribute through your leadership to a fair, inclusive, and sustainable energy and materials transition? And does working in an organization where societal impact, collaboration, and personal development are central appeal to you? Then we warmly invite you to apply for the role of Research Manager at TNO.

What will be your role?

As a Research Manager in the Energy and Materials Transition unit, you lead a team of approximately 40 professionals based in Petten. Together, you work on impactful R&D projects in the field of solar energy and its integration into our living environment and the electricity grid. You ensure a positive and motivating work environment where all colleagues can showcase their talents. You also contribute to the strategy, steer propositions, and engage colleagues in this direction.

As part of the management team within the Energy & Materials Transition (EMT) unit, you help define the unit’s direction and objectives. You will mainly work from Petten, but you will also regularly visit locations in Eindhoven and Rijswijk to optimize collaboration with other TNO teams. By working closely with industry and academia, you ensure that our innovations align with societal needs. In addition, you connect your team with the rest of the unit and contribute to the further development of our goals.

Curious about EMT’s activities? Read more.

What we expect from you

You actively listen to colleagues across the team and division and engage with them on strategy, knowledge development, market trends, and personal growth. With your constructive feedback, they can take concrete steps forward. You motivate them through your genuine interest in both the work and the people behind it. You foster a positive and inspiring work environment where everyone can be themselves and trust one another. You also ensure the high-tech infrastructure runs efficiently and carefully monitor project progress.

What else do you bring?

• A completed MSc or PhD in natural sciences or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience leading teams and fostering collaboration in a complex high-tech R&D environment.
• Strong command of English and preferably Dutch as well (or a willingness to learn it quickly).

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 € 6,900 and € 8,700 (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.

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.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• 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 14th of June, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on 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.