Senior Research Manager Subsurface Modelling

About this position

Helping a team excel while looking beyond today’s ambitions. That is the challenge you will take on as Senior Research Manager at TNO. You will lead 60 dedicated experts working on geological mapping and modelling of the subsurface. You will translate developments into tomorrow’s direction, contribute your vision at executive level and create room to seize new opportunities. For your own team and for TNO as a whole.

Your research group
The Subsurface Modelling (SSM) research group is part of the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN). GDN’s mission is to promote and enable the safe and sustainable use of the subsurface through reliable geoscientific knowledge. This knowledge is made available through data and information services, statutory advisory duties and research. GDN has four strategic priorities: future-proof land use, groundwater stewardship, geo-energy and raw materials.
SSM focuses on integrated geological mapping and modelling of the subsurface. The group is a world leader in subsurface mapping and modelling at regional to national scales. SSM’s maps and models are widely used both internally and externally to address societal challenges, such as urban and regional planning, offshore wind farm site selection, geothermal energy, underground storage and the potential for (critical) raw materials. SSM covers the entire chain: from data collection and interpretation to applying geological concepts and producing geological maps and 3D models. SSM has unique facilities to support its research: the core description laboratory, the hydraulic conductivity laboratory, the laboratory for preparing biostratigraphic samples and the sampling room for optically stimulated luminescence.

What makes this management role particularly challenging? 
As Head of SSM, you will lead the department through a fundamental transformation. Together with your deputy, you will set a clear direction and align the department’s activities accordingly. The central challenge is to translate GDN’s mission — particularly its digital strategy — into a fundamentally different way of working: redesigning modelling processes, accelerating digitalisation and developing the capabilities needed to keep SSM at the forefront of its field.

What will be your role?

The department currently comprises sixty dedicated professionals across five expert teams, with expertise in areas including Quaternary geology, structural geology, economic geology and geo-ICT, and skills in geomodelling, geostatistics, and machine-learning-based data processing and modelling.

As Head of SSM, you will lead the department through a fundamental transformation. Together with your deputy, you will set a clear direction and align the department’s activities accordingly. The central challenge is to translate GDN’s mission — particularly its digital strategy — into a fundamentally different way of working: redesigning modelling processes, accelerating digitalisation and developing the capabilities needed to keep SSM at the forefront of its field. You will mobilise employees to embrace this change, address its implications for roles, skills and collaboration, and ensure that new digital tools and working practices become firmly embedded in the organisation.
As Head of Department, you will be a member of GDN’s management team and share responsibility for implementing GDN’s strategy. You will proactively contribute to GDN’s overall direction and management. You will encourage collaboration between departments.

Your role at a glance:

• You will build a team that is strong both in its expertise and as a group. You will encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing, invest in colleagues’ development and create a pleasant and safe working environment.
• You will lead the transformation described above.
• You will maintain a clear focus on results and business operations. You will manage quality, budgets and capacity, monitor progress and identify opportunities to make processes smarter or more effective.
• You will navigate a broad stakeholder landscape, reconcile diverse interests, build strategic partnerships and represent TNO at decision-making level.
• You will strengthen TNO’s market position. You will anticipate technological and market developments and make choices that further strengthen our expertise, propositions and commercial opportunities.
• Within the management team, you will be a strong sparring partner for the executive team and other research managers. You will understand what developments mean for the unit and TNO and work together to translate these insights into long-term choices.

What we expect from you

You are an inspiring leader who moves effortlessly between strategy and execution. You know how to motivate and guide employees through change and create a results-oriented culture centred on collaboration, ownership and delivery. Your modern leadership style encourages teamwork and collaboration across departments and generations. You have a sound business perspective and ensure that the department operates within its financial parameters, that employees have clarity about expectations and responsibilities, and that your people management balances the organisation’s needs with genuine attention to the individual. You are also a connector: you maintain strong relationships with universities and knowledge partners and represent the department convincingly to external stakeholders.

Other skills and knowledge you will bring to TNO:

• A PhD or master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline, preferably geosciences.
• A strong, demonstrable affinity with applied geoscientific research.
• At least 13 years of professional experience, including at least 8 years in a leadership role with full managerial responsibility.
• A strong external network aligned with GDN’s mission.
• Demonstrable experience in leading and implementing major organisational change.
• An affinity with working in a flat organisational structure characterised by open communication, direct collaboration and shared responsibility.
• A good command of Dutch and English. Part of our organisation is international.

You also identify with TNO’s leadership vision. As a leader, you:

• provide direction and inspiration. You make clear what your team is working towards and motivate colleagues to achieve results.
• foster connection and development. You encourage collaboration within and beyond your team, bring colleagues together and commit to further talent development.
• uphold TNO’s values and create room for change. You are open to different ideas, willing to challenge existing working practices and help your team adapt to change.

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 € [X,XXX] and € [X,XXX] (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 or a lease car.
• 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 6th of December, 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.