Medior Researcher

About this position

Do you enjoy working with unique equipment and tackling a different challenge every day? Then the Reliable Structures laboratory team at the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) is the place for you!

The Reliable Structures department focuses on understanding the structural behaviour of Dutch infrastructure. This knowledge is essential for keeping the Netherlands' infrastructure safe and affordable. With access to a well-equipped laboratory, we combine practical experience with theoretical expertise. This enables us to answer even the most complex research questions. Would you like to contribute to this work? Then read on!

What will be your role?

As a Researcher in the Mechanical Test Hall at the Delft Building Innovation Lab, you will work in multidisciplinary teams on a wide range of national and international projects for various research groups. Some of these projects focus on research and the development of new, innovative knowledge. In addition, you will contribute to projects in which our expertise is directly applied for international clients in industry and government, including Rijkswaterstaat and the Ministry of Defence.

As a researcher, you play a key role in experimental work involving the measurement of loads and responses of materials and structures, combined with the operation and control of hydraulic and electromechanical actuators. You translate research questions into practical test methods. You design test setups, covering both the mechanical and instrumentation aspects. You build and install the setups, select suitable sensors, and calibrate the entire system. Once everything is ready for testing, you execute the tests, install specimens, and control the applied loads. You log and monitor data throughout the process and ensure reliable, high-quality results. At all times, you maintain a strong focus on safety during the execution of experiments.

The measurements cover a variety of parameters, including acceleration, displacement, pressure, temperature, and force. These tests are aimed at assessing the dynamic behaviour and/or failure behaviour of a wide range of materials and structures.

Examples of activities include:

• Performing tensile strength tests on sheet pile wall anchor rods;
• Simulating and measuring the loads generated by a jumping crowd;
• Determining the material properties of existing steel bridges;
• Measuring the pull-out forces of connection elements used in wind turbine blades.

You will work closely with fellow researchers, measurement and instrumentation specialists (experts in data acquisition), and, of course, the scientists who use your measurement data to advance their research.

What we expect from you

You have at least a Bachelor's degree (HBO) in Applied Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical Engineering, with a strong affinity for structural mechanics as well as measurement technology and electronics. You have experience independently conducting experimental research and possess practical insight into the behaviour of structures and measurement equipment. You have demonstrable experience operating and controlling hydraulic tensile, compression, and fatigue testing machines, preferably from MTS.

You are naturally curious and helpful, with a strong interest in complex experimental setups, hydraulics, sensors, measurement systems, data acquisition, and testing activities. You actively follow developments in the field and contribute ideas for the acquisition of new equipment. You work accurately and in a structured manner, and you take satisfaction in generating measurement results and sharing them with colleagues.

In addition to technical knowledge, experience, and a structured approach, we highly value strong communication skills and a customer- and results-oriented mindset. You enjoy working collaboratively in project teams and proactively keep colleagues informed of your progress. You are also comfortable interacting professionally with clients when they attend testing activities or participate in laboratory tours.

Finally, you have an excellent command of the Dutch language, both written and spoken. Proficiency in English is considered an advantage.

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 startingh at € 3.595 (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 4th of September 2026. The selection process comprises two 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.