Junior Scientist Occupational Safety & Health

About this position

Safe, healthy and productive work is becoming increasingly important in a rapidly changing world. Emerging technologies such as AI, algorithmic management, robotics and digital platforms are transforming the way people work. While these developments create opportunities, they also introduce new challenges related to occupational safety, health and sustainable employability.

Within TNO’s Sustainable Productivity & Employability (SPE) department, you will contribute to research and innovations that help organizations adopt technology responsibly and effectively. As a Junior Scientist Occupational Safety & Health, you will work on solutions that create tangible impact for employees, organizations and the future labour market.

What will be your role?

As a Scientist, you will be part of the Occupational Safety Innovation (OSI) team and contribute to research, innovation and implementation projects focusing on occupational safety, health, technology and productivity. You will combine scientific research with practical applications and collaborate with companies, government bodies, regulators and other stakeholders.

Working in multidisciplinary teams, you will investigate how organizations can better identify and manage safety and health risks, how technological developments affect work, and how innovative solutions can be successfully adopted in practice.

Your responsibilities include:

• Conducting research on occupational safety, health, sustainable employability and productivity.
• Collecting, analysing and interpreting data related to work, technology and working conditions.
• Investigating the impact of AI, digital technologies and algorithmic management on work processes and safety risks.
• Developing and applying methods to assess risks and opportunities associated with innovation.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of evidence-based interventions, dashboards, scans and other innovative solutions.
• Evaluating the effectiveness and impact of interventions within organizations.
• Organising and facilitating workshops, living labs and co-creation activities with stakeholders.
• Translating research outcomes into practical solutions and recommendations for organizations, policymakers and regulators.
• Writing reports, scientific publications and presenting project results.

The team

You will join the Occupational Safety Innovation (OSI) team within the Sustainable Productivity & Employability department. This department consists of more than 40 researchers, consultants and innovation specialists working on the future of work, technology adoption, occupational safety and sustainable productivity.

Our multidisciplinary teams combine expertise from social sciences, engineering and behavioural sciences. We work closely with colleagues across TNO, industry partners, sector organisations and government institutions to create real societal impact.

What we expect from you

You are curious, analytical and interested in the interaction between people, technology and work. You enjoy investigating complex challenges and translating scientific insights into practical solutions.

You also bring:

• A Master's degree (MSc) in a relevant field such as Industrial Engineering & Management, Human-Technology Interaction, Work & Organizational Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Safety Science, Economics, Sociology or a comparable discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in occupational safety, health, technology and the future of work.
• Affinity with both scientific research and translating knowledge into practical applications.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Experience with data analysis, evaluation research or modelling is considered a plus.
• Affinity with AI, digitalisation and emerging technologies is a plus.
• Strong communication skills in Dutch and English.
• The ability to manage and prioritise multiple projects simultaneously.
• A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset with a strong willingness to learn and take initiative.

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 € 3,530 and € 4,150 (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.
• 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 30th of August, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first round is planned for Tuesday the 8th and 15th of September and the second round will take place on Wednesday the 23th of September. 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.