Scientist Sustainable Shipping

About this position

Would you like to work on the major maritime challenges of our time? As a Scientist Sustainable Shipping at TNO in The Hague, you will play a key role in developing policies, strategies and innovation agendas for a sustainable and competitive maritime sector. You will combine technological developments, economic insights and policy frameworks to develop solutions to challenges such as emissions reduction, alternative fuels, the energy transition, nitrogen emissions and strategic autonomy.

Together with experts from academia, industry and government, you will help shape the future of Dutch and European shipping. Your analyses and advice will contribute directly to decision-making by ministries, the European Commission, ports, shipping companies and the maritime manufacturing industry.

What will be your role?

As a Scientist Sustainable Shipping, you will work at the intersection of policy, technology and innovation. You will analyse how external and internal developments—such as methanol, hydrogen and ammonia technologies, electrification, digitalisation, offshore energy and new European regulations—are influencing the future of the maritime sector. Based on these insights, you will develop policy options, transition pathways and strategic scenarios for governments and businesses.

You will translate complex technical and economic insights into concrete courses of action for policymakers and decision-makers. To do so, you will use quantitative analyses, systems studies, scenario development and stakeholder consultations. You will contribute to national and European research and innovation programmes and actively help develop the knowledge needed to make the sector more sustainable.

You will also play an important role in building and maintaining stakeholder networks. You will work closely with ministries, port authorities, industry associations, shipbuilders, technology developers and international research institutes. You will regularly present research findings at workshops, policy dialogues and conferences.

Within the Sustainable Transport & Logistics department, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team of researchers, consultants, data scientists and domain experts. Together, you will work on issues that will shape the future of mobility, logistics and the maritime sector.

What we expect from you

You are driven to make a positive societal impact and have a strong interest in making the maritime and offshore sectors more sustainable. You can grasp complex issues, reconcile the interests of different stakeholders and translate insights into strategic policy advice. You have strong analytical skills, work independently and thrive in an environment where research, policy development and innovation come together.

You also have excellent communication skills and can work effectively with technical experts as well as executives and policymakers.

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 (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 3rd 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.