Scientist/Consultant Occupational Exposure

Want to make your mark on our time? Come work as a Scientist/Consultant Occupational Exposure at TNO in Utrecht!

About this position

The Research group RAPID (Risk Analysis for Prevention, Innovation & Development) specializes in assessing health risks from potentially hazardous exposures in various environments, including workplaces, general surroundings, and through food or drugs. With around 50 experts in fields like toxicology, epidemiology, chemistry, occupational hygiene and statistics, RAPID develops innovative tools and methods to predict risks accurately. Their mission is to reduce risks and improve human health by advising on exposure reduction, promoting safe design principles, and providing actionable insights for policymakers. RAPID collaborates nationally and internationally with universities, research institutes, government bodies, and industry partners to make a significant impact on public health.

What will be your role?

Within the RAPID department, the team ‘Data-related exposure assessment modelling’ (DREAM) works on the development of innovative methods to assess and manage the risk of exposure with the ultimate aim to prevent or limit the occurrence of occupational diseases.

Examples of chemicals are asbestos, welding fumes, crystalline silica, biocides, pesticides, endotoxins, and new advanced materials. Innovative methods are being developed, such as modelling tools for exposure and/or risk assessment (e.g. Advanced Reach Tool (ART)), novel exposure measurement techniques (AI, sensors), biomonitoring (point of care testing), safe by design and substitution, risk management measures (Virtual Occupational Hygiene Assistant (VOHA)) and health impact assessment all applied within the context of the exposome.

Your core activities are:

• Participation and leading in (multidisciplinary) research projects on topics like asbestos and other chemical stressors; participation in scientific discussions with (international) experts from various fields;
• Stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management;
• Coordinate and if needed participate in the collection of data in a responsible way at different workplaces and manage and keep up to date related databases;
• Report on research for customers and publish in scientific media or within TNO;
• Initiate and participate in writing project proposals;
• Answer questions from customers and advising them to manage risks of exposure to chemicals.

What we expect from you

We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive team-player with a broad scientific interest who is looking for complex challenges in the field of human exposure assessment & risk management and who feels at ease in a challenging stakeholder environment (both governmental and industry). To be able to communicate well with the stakeholders, a good command of Dutch is required. An occupational hygiene background is preferred. Your curiosity together with your surprising and innovative ideas and solutions make you a great innovator.

• An academic background, preferably in Occupational/Environmental Health Sciences, Industrial Hygiene, Life Science Technology (with a strong focus on occupational hygiene);
• Knowledge regarding exposure modeling and assessment;
• Interest in chemical exposures, related health risks and risk management;
• Experience in the role of consultant;
• Good communicative skills both verbal and written in Dutch and English are important;
• 32-40 hour a week availability.

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 € 4,000 and € 6,500 (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.
• 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.

Email: marco.vantongeren@tno.nl