Biomedical Optical Scientist | DELFT

Want to make your mark on our time? Come work as an optics scientist at TNO in Delft!

About this position

TNO Optics designs and fabricates high-end optical systems for a broad range of applications, such as space-based atmospheric monitoring, optical satellite communication, medical instrumentation, quantum technologies, structural health monitoring and instrumentation for the semiconductor industry.

This work is for customers including Airbus, NASA and Heidelberg Engineering. Our optics technology expertise ranges from large-scale geometrical optics to fibre optics, integrated photonics and sub-wavelength metamaterials.

What will be your role?

With a background in physics, and a strong interest in optics and medical applications, you will be working as an Optical Scientist specialized in developing and analyzing Monte Carlo based light propagation simulations.

TNO develops optical simulations for use in the next generation of medical devices with current applications in the skin, retina, and brain. Our projects are typically multi-disciplinary, combining expertise with substantial knowledge of the respective application domains.

You will work closely with your direct colleagues of the Optics group, with other TNO experts from other domains, and with external stakeholders from research organisations and companies from across the world.

As an Optical Scientist, you will work collaboratively with our team of physicists and biomedical engineers on our in-house Python package for Monte Carlo photon propagation simulations (TOMCA). You will play a crucial role in developing and refining simulation models for light transport through human tissues and image analysis, with a focus on retinal and skin applications and analysis for a variety of devices and projects. You will also play a significant role in the experimental validation of the simulation outputs based on artificial tissues as well as clinical data. You will be responsible for:

• Developing and refining software for optics simulation models.
• Collaborating with the team to interpret simulation results and provide insights.
• Stakeholder management for both internal and externally-facing projects
• Design and perform experiments to validate the simulation outputs.
• Assisting in troubleshooting and optimizing code, including Python, MATLAB, and CUDA.
• Conducting literature research and interpreting medical research to inform simulations.
• Maintaining up-to-date documentation and contributing, as a member of project teams, to the organization of projects.

What we expect from you

A considerable level of autonomy and initiative is expected from you. To be able to perform your role well, it is important that you recognize yourself in the following profile:

• PhD in physics, biomedical optics (or equivalent experience).
• Experience with light propagation modeling using Monte Carlo simulations.
• Strong coding skills, particularly in Python; experience with MATLAB and CUDA is a plus.
• 3-years experience with clinical trials, commercial medical devices, and/or postdoctoral research.
• Interest in working in the medical domain and contributing to healthcare innovations.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a strong internal motivation for finding the “story” in data.
• Methodical data analysis mindset, useful for multi-dimensional parameter space analysis.
• Able to communicate fluently in English (you will have many international colleagues and collaborators).

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 € 4804,00 and € 6545,00 (based on your knowledge and experience), 8% holiday pay, a 13th 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).
• 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.

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.

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.