Senior Scientist Personal Protection

Senior Scientist Personal Protection at TNO

Make your mark on our time! Join TNO as a Senior Scientist in Ypenburg (The Hague)!

About this position

With our knowledge, models, and testing capabilities, we advise our clients including the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the Police, and international companies on the innovation and implementation of personal protection concepts against hostile, primarily physical, threats. Our field of research is unique and intellectually challenging. We will guide you through this exceptional domain and provide you with the opportunities you need. TNO is one of the few places in the world where this is possible. Join our team and develop yourself in a unique and challenging environment!

What will be your role?

Together with scientists in the department and the Science & Technology (S&T) Manager of the division, you will develop fundamental knowledge in the field of personal protection. You will initiate, among other things, the development of new models that enable better analysis and extrapolation to practical applications. The resulting models and designs are validated in our own ballistic laboratory. Another key aspect of the work involves mapping the potential physical burden on military personnel and the consequences for their short- and long-term deployment. Based on this knowledge, we can explore which protection concepts could sufficiently reduce the burden to minimize residual and side effects. Ultimately, you and the team will ensure our propositions are backed by the right knowledge for the medium term (5–10 years). You will do this in collaboration with national and international universities. Much of this work is in the military domain, with some in the civilian domain. The role is characterized by the combination of developing and publishing new applications of fundamental knowledge and making them suitable for practical use. This enables the innovative development of protection concepts for individuals in operational and training environments.

Examples of concepts being researched include:

• Developing measurement methods, injury criteria, and evaluation techniques to assess the performance of personal protection and equipment (such as helmets and bulletproof vests). A key focus is balancing the benefits of protection with the potential negative impact on a soldier’s effectiveness, ensuring the protection is appropriate for current and future threats.
• Contributing to the protection of occupants in (military) vehicles by researching the design of special seating or flooring, taking into account the occupants’ gear.
• Developing measurement methods to assess the relationship between physical impacts—such as falls, collisions, or blast waves—and their effects on the brain. Based on this information, interventions can be designed to limit the load to acceptable levels and prevent brain injuries.

You will work in the Personal Protection and Explosives Safety (PPES) department. Our department focuses on developing and testing protection concepts for people and critical infrastructure against ballistic threats and explosions. We also work on the safe storage, transport, and handling of ammunition by developing innovative technologies, analyzing risks, and advising on safety measures. In this role, you will regularly collaborate with TNO colleagues in Soesterberg, so you must be able to travel there frequently.

What we expect from you

You have an academic network in fields such as Biomechanics or Mechanical Engineering, with the ability to link fundamental knowledge and its development to relevant applications. You are analytically strong and capable of integrating information and knowledge from multiple domains. You can work with the S&T manager and all relevant internal and external stakeholders to develop a knowledge agenda for the coming years and articulate and promote a clear vision.

You also bring:

• A completed Master or PhD in a technical field—such as Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Medical Technology, Applied Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or Aerospace Engineering;
• At least 10 years of experience in a technical/academic environment, preferably in various roles. Experience in physical protection is a plus;
• Experience in presenting, reporting, and publishing results to stakeholders at various levels of abstraction;
• Experience in conducting and supervising research, performing experiments, and reporting (both orally and in writing) on the results;
• Proficiency in Dutch and English at a minimum of B1 level;
• Affinity with and/or knowledge of one or more of the following topics in the safety/defense domain:
  • Biomechanics and the effects of high dynamic loads, knowledge of anthropomorphic test devices;
  • Materials technology (metamaterials, composites, additive manufacturing);
  • Numerical modeling (e.g., in MATLAB, LS-DYNA, MADYMO, or Python).

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 € 5.800,- and € 7.000,- (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 on a full-time basis.
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on 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 of 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
• A good pension scheme.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

Safety is not something that can be taken for granted. That's why the work you do here, in any position, is meaningful and has an impact on society. Jane Duinisveld Corporate Recruiter

Email: jane.duinisveld@tno.nl