Medior Scientist Materials Science

About this position

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

We support the Dutch and European maritime industry in becoming more sustainable through the safe introduction of alternative fuels and energy sources, such as methanol, ammonia and nuclear energy. This requires a systematic approach that combines safety, sustainability and affordability. Drawing on our expertise in naval architecture and materials science, we contribute to a TNO-wide approach, including in-depth knowledge of new material ageing and damage mechanisms. Would you like to help create the sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this position could be for you.

What will be your role?

As a Medior Scientist Materials Science, you will contribute to a safe and affordable fuel transition. You will develop materials science models and conduct experiments to understand material ageing and degradation. You will use these insights to develop better solutions for the application of new energy systems. You will work in a multidisciplinary team of experts from across TNO and collaborate closely with customers and partners. Drawing on your expertise, you will provide technical direction for projects and help initiate new research projects. You will also enhance TNO’s visibility through publications and presentations.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, which comprises 60 dedicated experts with backgrounds in naval architecture, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics and mechanical engineering. The principal application areas of our research are defence and the maritime and offshore sectors. Our well-equipped laboratories for mechanical testing combine practical and theoretical knowledge, enabling us to solve highly complex problems and validate innovative structural solutions. Our research ranges from the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines to shock- and blast-resistant ship structures. We work on today’s key challenges: the energy transition and the growing focus on safety at sea.

What we expect from you

You hold a university degree in technical disciplines, such as Naval Architecture, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Civil Engineering, with a specialization in materials science. You have substantial experience—more than five years—in the maritime and/or offshore sector and combine a strong theoretical foundation with practical insight into material behavior. Or, you are an expert in material science and would like to translate this to the maritime and offshore sector.

In addition to technical expertise, we place great value on communication skills and a customer- and results-oriented approach, enabling you to work effectively as part of a team towards outcomes that are useful and applicable for our customers. You have a proven ability to translate customer needs into concrete research questions and a clear plan of action. You have experience providing technical leadership to small teams and successfully delivering complex projects. You have a good command of both Dutch and English, spoken and 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 € 4.819,- and € 6.884,- (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 22nd of November, 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.

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.

For questions about this position you can contact Sander Dragt, Research Manager via [email protected]

For questions with regards to the selectionproces and working at TNO you can contact our recruiter, Max Krajenbrink, via [email protected]