Commercial Scientist / Project Lead Metabolic Health Research - Leiden / Hybrid

About this position

At TNO, in the department Biomedical Research we are closely connected to TNO’s Efficient Drug Development program, which develops translational (animal) models, in-vitro and ex-vivo models and advanced analytical tools to improve decision-making across the pharmaceutical development pipeline. By linking metabolic disease expertise with complementary capabilities in pharmacokinetics, biomarkers, tissue analysis, and data-driven research, you will help reduce development risks, help accelerate drug development and strengthen TNO’s position as an innovation partner for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

As a Commercial Scientist Metabolic Health Research based in Leiden, you acquire and then coordinate research projects on a broad range of metabolism-related topics, such as cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, 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.

In this position, you combine your strong scientific expertise with project leadership and project acquisition. 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 Commercial Scientist/ Project Lead Metabolic Health Research, you will work on multiple research projects (different stages) simultaneously and ensure successful execution from lead to proposal development through delivery of the results and reporting. You will also play a key role in expanding our project portfolio by identifying new opportunities and contribute to both innovation and business development activities.

• Pro-actively develop research proposals and perform project acquisition activities together with business developers.
• Lead multiple industry-sponsored research projects in cardiovascular and metabolic health.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.
• Help execute the projects with the agreed timelines, budgets, deliverables, and scientific quality.
• Translate customer needs into scientifically sound and tailored research approaches.

#LI-Hybrid
The team
You will join a team of nine scientists and project leaders with strong scientific expertise, supported by ten research technicians. The team collaborates closely with business development colleagues to generate new project opportunities and build long-term customer partnerships. In collaboration with Innoser B.V, we are a user of their modern animal facility. On premise in our location in Leiden we have state-of-the art laboratories, enabling us to maximize the knowledge we extract from our translational animal models. Our facilities include: biomarker measurement laboratories and technologies, analytical laboratories, AI-based HistoSuite, spatial mass spectrometry imaging facility. 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 a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, 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) development.
• Proven experience in leading (complex) research projects and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Experience with animal studies, Article 9 certified.
• 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 14th of October, 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.