Researcher Biotechnician CBRN Protection

Leave your mark on our time! Join TNO as a Researcher in Rijswijk!

About this position

Imagine: a soldier in a conflict zone, a first responder at a chemical incident, or a civilian accidentally exposed to a hazardous substance. Thanks to your research and dedication, they can safely do their work and are protected against life-threatening chemical and biological agents. At the CBRN Protection department, you work on the front line of innovation and safety. Here, medical countermeasures against toxic substances are developed, their effects in the body are studied, and you contribute to solutions with global impact. Do you want to be part of groundbreaking research with direct societal value? Then we’d love to meet you.

What will be your role?

We are looking for a biotechnician to strengthen the team where toxicologists collaborate with organic and analytical chemists, pharmacologists, and biologists on our research projects. A major part of your work involves performing in vitro and in vivo experiments to develop medical countermeasures against toxic chemical substances. You will help clarify the mechanisms of action of these substances and drugs at various levels in the organism, using biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological techniques. You will contribute to the development of a toxicity screening system for the military domain and work on improving treatments for poisonings caused by military-relevant substances. Your work includes technical innovations through experiments and desk studies, primarily using in vitro and in vivo methods aimed at translation to humans. You will work in a multidisciplinary team and have the opportunity to further develop your expertise. The results of your work have a direct societal impact and can save lives in both military and civilian contexts.

You will join the CBRN Protection department, which focuses on protection against harmful or life-threatening chemical and biological agents. The department conducts innovative research into the toxicology of chemical substances that may be used in warfare and the effects of potential new drugs against these substances. With practical application as the ultimate goal, the department works for and with a wide range of clients and partners: national and international governments, affiliated research institutes, and industry. Our primary stakeholder is the Ministry of Defence. Through our research, we protect soldiers, civilian responders, and citizens who may be at risk of exposure to toxic chemical substances in the course of their work, both domestically and abroad.

We have state-of-the-art facilities, including a HighTOX laboratory, an organic synthesis lab, animal testing facilities, biological safety level (BSL) 2 and 3 laboratories, a (bio)aerosol test chamber, and a cutting-edge mass spectrometry lab. The department consists of about 50 people: scientists, researchers, project leaders, consultants, and managers with 1 to 40 years of experience in various fields. In recent years, the team has become younger through natural turnover. It is a close-knit, enthusiastic, dynamic, and diverse team where organic chemists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, analytical chemists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, and aerosol physicists work closely together.

What we expect from you

You are inquisitive, eager to learn, proactive, creative, and meticulous, and you work in a structured way with attention to quality and safety. You enjoy hands-on work in the lab and critically assess experimental outcomes. As a toxicology researcher, you are interested in the interactions between chemical substances and biological systems at the level of cells, tissues, organs, and organisms.

You can translate research questions into innovative ideas and practically executable experiments. You enjoy working in a team and like to connect and inspire colleagues. You have a good command of English and Dutch, with Dutch at least at B2 level. What else do you bring?

• A completed HBO degree in a biomedical field, such as Biological & Medical Laboratory Research;
• Relevant experience with toxicological and/or pharmacological research is a plus (internship experience also counts);
• You hold a 13f.2 certification as a biotechnician;
• Experience with biotechnical procedures, particularly surgical techniques, or willingness to learn these skills;
• Experience in reporting research results.

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 € 3.200,- and € 3.600,- (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.
• 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.
• Access to our Talent Development Programme.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• Access to TNO’s project managers guild: a network of some three hundred equals. The guild organizes workshops, conferences, intervision sessions and other activities for project managers.
• 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.