Business oriented Scientist Metabolic Health Research - Leiden/Hybrid - 32-40h

About this position

In the Metabolic Health Research MHR) team, part of the department Biomedical Research, we develop translational cell and animal models, combined with advanced analytical tools to improve decision-making across the pharmaceutical development pipeline. By linking metabolic disease expertise with complementary capabilities in pharmacokinetics, biomarkers, high-content tissue analyses, and data-driven research, we help reduce development risks, help accelerate drug development and strengthen TNO’s position as an innovation partner for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

As a Business oriented Scientist within MHR based in Leiden, you will acquire and then lead research projects on a broad range of metabolism-related topics, such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and inflammation-related disorders. You will operate at the intersection of science, industry, and business development, helping clients translate scientific insights into impactful solutions. #LI-Hybrid

In this position, you will combine your strong scientific expertise with project acquisition and project leadership.. You will be responsible for developing new project opportunities, maintaining customer relationships, and delivering high-quality research projects in collaboration with other scientists, research technicians, business developers, and industry partners.

What will be your role?

As a Business oriented Scientist, you will manage several research projects simultaneously, guiding each one from initial client lead and proposal development through execution, delivery of results, and final reporting.

Alongside project delivery, you will help expand our portfolio by identifying new opportunities and contributing to innovation and business development.

• Customer needs: Identify client needs and translate them into scientifically robust, tailored research approaches.
• Proposal development and acquisition: Proactively develop research proposals and pursue new project opportunities in close collaboration with business developers.
• Project leadership: Lead multiple industry-sponsored research projects in cardiovascular and metabolic health, ensuring agreed timelines, budgets, deliverables, and scientific quality are met.
• Client relationships: Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with clients in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors.

The team

You will join a team of nine scientists and project leaders with strong scientific expertise, supported by ten research technicians. The team works closely with business developers to generate new project opportunities and build long-term customer partnerships.

Through our partnership with Innoser B.V., we have access to a modern animal facility. At our Leiden location, we operate state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced technologies that enable us to maximize the scientific and translational value of our preclinical models. Our own facilities include laboratories for biomarker analysis, advanced analytical technologies, AI-supported digital histopathology, and spatial mass spectrometry imaging.

You will report to the Research Manager and contribute directly to the continued growth of the group. This position has been created to increase the team's outreach and marketing capacity and demands excellent writing and acquisition skills to further expand our portfolio.

What we expect from you

You are an experienced scientist with a strong track record in grant writing or industrial projects acquisition and a deep understanding of translational cardiovascular or broader metabolic health research. You are comfortable in engaging with customers and helping to grow research activities through acquisition and collaboration. You have project leadership skills.

We expect:

• PhD in cardiovascular research, cardiometabolic research, inflammation research, or related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of cardiovascular disease, obesity, metabolic dysfunction, and translational animal models, supported by co-authored publications.
• Minimum of five years of relevant experience in academia, industry, or both.
• Demonstrated success in project acquisition and customer-relation development.
• Proven experience in leading (complex) research projects and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience with animal studies, Dutch Article 9 qualification or an equivalent international qualification in laboratory animal science.
• Genuine interest in developing customer-specific scientific solutions and research strategies.
• An established network within the pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry.

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 € 4,130 and € 6,500 (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 8th of November, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The first round of interviews will take place onTuesday, 17 November, with the second round scheduled for Monday, 23 November. 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.