Biomedical Optical Scientist | DELFT

About this position

TNO Optics designs and fabricates high-end optical systems for a broad range of applications, such as space-based atmospheric monitoring, optical satellite communication, medical instrumentation, quantum technologies, structural health monitoring and instrumentation for the semiconductor industry.

This work is for customers including Airbus, NASA and Heidelberg Engineering. Our optics technology expertise ranges from large-scale geometrical optics to fibre optics, integrated photonics and sub-wavelength metamaterials.

See more of the TNO Unit High Tech Industry on the TNO website.

What will be your role?

With a background in physics, and a strong interest in optics and medical applications, you will be working as an Optical Scientist specialized in developing and analyzing Monte Carlo based light propagation simulations.

TNO develops optical simulations for use in the next generation of medical devices with current applications in the skin, retina, and brain. Our projects are typically multi-disciplinary, combining expertise with substantial knowledge of the respective application domains.

You will work closely with your direct colleagues of the Optics group, with other TNO experts from other domains, and with external stakeholders from research organisations and companies from across the world.

As an Optical Scientist, you will work collaboratively with our team of physicists and biomedical engineers on our in-house Python package for Monte Carlo photon propagation simulations (TOMCA). You will play a crucial role in developing and refining simulation models for light transport through human tissues and image analysis, with a focus on retinal and skin applications and analysis for a variety of devices and projects. You will also play a significant role in the experimental validation of the simulation outputs based on artificial tissues as well as clinical data. You will be responsible for:

• Developing and refining software for optics simulation models.
• Collaborating with the team to interpret simulation results and provide insights.
• Stakeholder management for both internal and externally-facing projects
• Design and perform experiments to validate the simulation outputs.
• Assisting in troubleshooting and optimizing code, including Python, MATLAB, and CUDA.
• Conducting literature research and interpreting medical research to inform simulations.
• Maintaining up-to-date documentation and contributing, as a member of project teams, to the organization of projects.

What we expect from you

A considerable level of autonomy and initiative is expected from you. To be able to perform your role well, it is important that you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• PhD in physics, biomedical optics (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with light propagation modeling using Monte Carlo simulations.
• Strong coding skills, particularly in Python; experience with MATLAB and CUDA is a plus.
• 3-years experience with clinical trials, commercial medical devices, and/or postdoctoral research.
• Interest in working in the medical domain and contributing to healthcare innovations.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a strong internal motivation for finding the “story” in data.
• Methodical data analysis mindset, useful for multi-dimensional parameter space analysis.
• Able to communicate fluently in English (you will have many international colleagues and collaborators).

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 € 4804,00 and € 6545,00 (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 13th of September, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place in week 39 and 40. The second interview round has been scheduled for weeks 41 and 42. 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.