Research Manager Building and Energy Systems

Would you like to contribute to a livable future for everyone? You can, as a Research Manager in the expert group Buildings & Energy Systems (BES) within the Unit Mobility and Built Environment (MBE).

About this position

The Buildings and Energy Systems expertise group consists of around thirty-five colleagues who work together to accelerate the sustainability of the built environment by 2050, in light of the transition to an energy-positive built environment, where health, comfort, quality and affordability go hand in hand, supported by scalable solutions, often driven by data-driven innovation.

The department contributes to achieving climate objectives in the built environment by industrializing and scaling up renovation and construction processes. By analyzing the construction chain and developing standardized products, processes and tools, large-scale sustainability improvements to homes and buildings are made possible. The focus is on effective practical implementation, accelerating renovations, and creating opportunities for broad application and further valorization.

Additionally, the department is dedicated to improving the performance and reliability of sustainable installations, energy use and indoor environments across various building types, including healthcare facilities. By combining measurements, models, laboratory research and insights into user behavior, energy efficiency, comfort, health and affordability are optimized in conjunction. With an integrated approach—bringing together technology, building physics, architecture and social sciences—the department supports innovation, standardization and decision-making for future-proof and healthy buildings.

The strength of the department lies in connecting technical, social and domain knowledge. This enables the development of regulations and standards while providing solutions through product and system innovations. In this way, the department supports both public authorities (policy objectives, standardization) and private parties (practical innovations).

The department has unique laboratory facilities such as climate chambers and a facility for researching exposure to particles and the configuration and performance of ventilation systems.

What will be your role?

As research manager, you are ultimately responsible for all aspects of the department, from strategy to operations and from planning to execution. You are also responsible for all personnel matters. Your team consists of around 36 professionals who want to be challenged by you in their personal and professional development. Therefore, you are not only their manager, but also someone who can empathize with and build on the expertise they possess, discussing with them how they can grow both in their specialism and in their personal development. This requires knowledge of the relevant fields and an understanding of the network of stakeholders and the interests involved.

As research manager, you provide an inspiring vision, aligned with the strategy of the MBE Unit. You ensure the alignment of knowledge and capacity with market demand and stimulate collaboration with other expertise groups, both within and outside our unit. Developing a high-quality technology portfolio and marketing it by connecting with relevant propositions are among your core tasks. Following the sharpening of the portfolio last year, there is also an important task in further building the teams and expertise needed to realize this direction. You lead daily operations, monitor project progress and maintain contact with relevant stakeholders.

Due to the nature of some of the activities and the use of laboratory facilities, as research manager you have final responsibility for policy and implementation of measures relating to Quality, Safety, Health and Environment (QSHE).

Naturally, you also work together with the management team of MBE. Together, we are building a strong Unit for the future.

What we expect from you

As Research Manager, you are driven to help your team grow and to contribute together to the world of tomorrow. You recognize, value, and encourage the unique talents of each individual. You also regularly hold up a mirror to yourself—because the better you know yourself, the better you can engage in dialogue with others. This enables you to truly connect with your employees and create an inspiring working environment for them, where innovation, social impact, collaboration and collegiality go hand in hand. You are resilient and know how to handle resistance or setbacks. You understand the dynamics within TNO and dare to make decisions when necessary. You are able to look beyond your own interests, always putting TNO’s or the unit’s interests first. For this, it is important not to get lost in details, but to organise and delegate effectively. It is also important to seek advice when making decisions and to make good use of the extensive knowledge and experience available within the department. Asking questions, consulting, and ultimately daring to decide are important qualities. You know how to match the expertise of employees with market demands. For new topics, you create plans to further develop that expertise and determine which research facilities are required.

What else do you bring:

• A relevant university master’s degree, for example in process technology, mechanical engineering or building engineering.
• Extensive experience in managerial roles; you have experience with financial business operations, risk management and QSHE (Quality, Safety, Health, and Environment). In addition, you are accustomed to working in a project-driven environment where research and innovation take place.
• Experience with innovation management and change processes.
• You are proficient in both Dutch and English at a minimum of C1 level.
• You are flexible and able to perform a wide range of tasks in a complex environment.
• You have affinity with the department’s area of work and with its clients and stakeholders.

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 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.
• 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. That is why we invest in an inspiring 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 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.