TNO

About this position

Do you have a strong interest in connecting fundamental and applied research to market applications and valorisation pathways? Would you like to create lasting societal and economic impact through this? Then join our team of dedicated specialists, with the mission of accelerating the realization of an energy-neutral and sustainable built environment.

As a Senior Scientist Heat Pump Application Center, you will make a vital contribution to leading research on heat pumps and sustainable building-related installations. You will clearly take on the role of a figurehead externally and provide substantive leadership within this dynamic field.

What will be your role?

As a Senior Scientist Heat Pump Application Center, you will work on developing innovative solutions for sustainable building systems. Within TNO, you will have a strategic and visible role, with significant autonomy and societal impact. Your focus areas include real-world performance of (hybrid) heat pump systems, smart control of heat pumps for domestic hot water production, improved (holistic) installation practices, and noise emissions.

You will represent TNO to partners, clients, policymakers, and (inter)national networks, and actively contribute to positioning TNO as a leading knowledge organization in the energy transition. In doing so, you will play a clear content-driven and strategic role within and beyond the team.

Operating at the intersection of academic knowledge and market-driven R&D, you are able to translate societal and industrial developments into a clear long-term vision for internal knowledge development at TNO. You will develop, monitor, and renew coherent knowledge and innovation lines, balancing scientific depth with practical applicability. You will create an inspiring narrative and actively encourage colleagues to contribute.

Within TNO, you will collaborate closely with Business Developers and Scientists to translate research challenges and industrial questions into promising, complex projects, often in consortium settings. Your insight into implementation, scaling, and applying innovations—through pilots, demonstration projects, or living labs—will make a real difference. You will also integrate the value of the TNO Heat Pump Application Center (lab facility) into this work.

From the knowledge agenda, you will represent TNO in external committees and networks and act as a subject-matter expert in your field.

What we expect from you

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 operate between fundamental knowledge and applied solutions and are comfortable at the intersection of science, market, and societal impact.

You possess the ability to integrate knowledge, set direction, and make decisions in complex technical challenges. You can interpret scientific and technological trends and position the team in line with societal and market needs. You actively contribute to vision development at both team and program level and translate this into robust research and development lines. Colleagues see you as a leading, coaching, and inspiring figure, and you are committed to supporting their professional growth.

You take ownership of the quality and positioning of the field and assume responsibility accordingly. You look beyond individual projects, operate at program level, and strengthen connections between TNO units with similar knowledge bases.

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 € 6000,- and € 8500,- (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 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 8th of Juy, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.