Starter Scientist Ship Vulnerability

About this position

A liveable future for everyone: that is what we, as the Naval and Offshore Structures department, contribute to. We design, analyse, and test a wide range of mechanical structures for the maritime and offshore industry and for defence applications. The safety of these structures, under the most extreme conditions and throughout their entire service life, is central to our work.

We support the Ministry of Defence through research on current and future naval vessels and unmanned surface vessels (USVs) within the hybrid fleet. Our focus is on protecting the ship, its systems, and its crew under all operational conditions. Does this appeal to you, and would you like to contribute to the development of safe and sustainable vessels for the future? Then this position may be the perfect fit for you.

What will be your role?

New ship designs, alternative fuels, and evolving operational concepts such as the hybrid fleet introduce new challenges in the areas of safety, survivability, and recoverability. In this role, you will investigate how future ship designs can remain resilient to damage and how crews can effectively respond to incidents on board and within the fleet.

We are currently seeking several colleagues within this field. Please indicate in your application which area of expertise interests you most and why this is the field you would like to contribute to:

• Ship vulnerability modelling: You will develop and apply simulation models to assess damage and emergency scenarios, with a particular focus on the interaction between crew performance and automation. Based on these analyses, you will provide insights into crew safety, vulnerable areas, and critical ship functions. You will investigate how damage can be contained and recovered from by the crew, both for current and future vessel designs.
• Fire dynamics and ship safety: You will develop, validate, and apply advanced fire models to predict the ignition and spread of fires on board ships. Topics include fire scenarios on vehicle decks, the effects of fire on ammunition storage areas, and the effectiveness of firefighting systems and suppression agents. Through simulations, analyses, and experimental research, you will study fire development and identify measures to mitigate its consequences.

You work in a multidisciplinary team with experts from various fields and collaborate closely with clients and partners. In addition, you enhance TNO’s visibility through publications and presentations.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, consisting of 60 motivated experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics and mechanical engineering. Thanks to our well-equipped mechanical testing laboratories, practical and theoretical knowledge go hand in hand, enabling us to solve highly complex problems and validate innovative structural solutions.

Collaboration with other TNO laboratories and experts allows us to address additional challenges such as fluid dynamics and blast and shock resistance. Our research ranges from the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines to shock- and explosion-resistant ship structures. We work on today’s key challenges: the energy transition and increasing safety at sea.

What we expect from you

You hold an MSc degree in a relevant engineering discipline, such as Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Civil Engineering, with a specialization in structural mechanics and/or structural dynamics.

You have a strong theoretical foundation, are proficient in numerical methods, and possess practical insight into structural behaviour. You are interested in simulation techniques, system analysis, and maritime safety challenges. Experience with or affinity for programming languages such as Python is desirable. Knowledge of TQL is considered an advantage.

In addition to technical expertise, we highly value strong communication skills, customer focus, and a results-oriented mindset. You enjoy working collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams to deliver solutions that are both practical and valuable to our clients.

You have an excellent command of both Dutch and English, spoken as well as written.

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 € 3,497 and € 6,617 (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 9th of October, 2026. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The second interview round has been scheduled for the [DAY] of [MONTH], [YEAR]. 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.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (the Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.