Starter Scientist in Materials for Hydrogen Carriers

About this position

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

For many years, our department has been working to enable the use of new energy sources for ship propulsion. These more environmentally friendly alternatives introduce new ageing and damage mechanisms, such as corrosion caused by ammonia and salts and hydrogen embrittlement. Together with its partners, TNO is actively researching these topics and is looking to strengthen the team. Does this sound interesting to you, and would you like to contribute to the sustainable and safe ships of the future? Then this role could be the perfect fit.

What will be your role?

As a Starter Scientist in Materials for Hydrogen Carriers, you will investigate how structural materials and components behave when exposed to alternative fuels such as hydrogen and its carriers, including ammonia and salts, under high and low temperatures, cyclic loading and long-term operating conditions. You will combine experimental research with model development to better understand, predict and mitigate damage and ageing mechanisms. Your work will directly contribute to safe and innovative solutions for leading maritime and offshore companies around the world. You will work in a multidisciplinary team of experts from a variety of fields and collaborate closely with clients and research partners. You will also contribute to TNO’s visibility through publications and presentations.

You will join the Naval and Offshore Structures department, a team of around 60 dedicated experts with backgrounds in maritime engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering, applied physics and mechanical engineering. Our main research domains are defence and the maritime and offshore sectors. Thanks to our well-equipped mechanical testing laboratories, we combine practical and theoretical expertise to solve highly complex problems and validate groundbreaking structural solutions. Our research ranges from the safe use of alternative fuels on board ships and the structural safety of offshore wind turbines to ship structures that can withstand shock and explosion loads. In doing so, we address some of today’s most pressing challenges: the energy transition and the growing need for safety and security at sea.

What we expect from you

You have completed a technical degree at a research university, for example in materials science, aerospace engineering or naval architecture. You have expertise in damage and ageing mechanisms, such as corrosion and fracture in materials and structures. You also have a strong theoretical foundation, an affinity for experimental research and experience with numerical methods.

In addition to your technical expertise, you have strong communication skills and a customer- and results-oriented mindset. You enjoy working collaboratively to develop solutions that are both valuable and applicable to our clients.

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 € 3.533,- and € 5.047,- (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]