Experienced LCA Scientist

Want to make your mark on our time? Join TNO in Utrecht as an experienced LCA Scientist!

What will be your role?

TNO’s business unit Energy & Materials Transition (EMT) is looking for an experienced LCA scientist.TNO is conducting research into circularity and sustainability impacts of highly relevant technologies and economic sectors: novel chemicals & materials including fuels and plastics, electronics & consumer goods, renewable energy and battery storage systems, building & infrastructure and waste management.The Sustainable Value Chains team within the Circularity and Sustainability Impact department is tasked with guiding value chain actors -including technology developers, industry, policymakers and consumers- in the transition towards a more sustainable circular economy. We model and assess entire value chains across all dimensions of sustainability and resource criticality using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), Technoeconomic Analysis (TEA), Social LCA, and Socially/Environmentally Extended Economic Input/Output (EIO). To produce insightful recommendations and decision support we complement our assessments with techniques such as (future) scenario analysis, predictive modelling, uncertainty & sensitivity analysis, and multicriteria analysis. Within our multi-disciplinary team you will have a chance to implement and further develop these methods as well as contribute to research proposals for national and international research programs.

What we expect from you

You are eager to contribute to solving societally relevant sustainability problems, just like the rest of the team. You are passionate about working with complex LCA types of models and using them to advise on sustainability improvements for novel chemicals, materials, products and economic sectors. An understanding of chemical engineering and process engineering principles is an advantage, but more important is the ability to assess sustainability systematically and methodically. You are not afraid to ask critical questions and are eager to tackle new challenges together with your colleagues. You also have the following qualifications and interests:

• MSc and preferably PhD in Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Materials Sciences, or related scientific fields;
• Demonstrable publication record in reputable peer-reviewed journals;
• 4 years experience or more (in addition to PhD work). Experience managing other researchers (e.g. PhD students) is desirable;
• Experience performing LCA studies using software like SimaPro, OpenLCA and Brightway;
• Experience with coding in Python (some experience with Machine Learning is a plus);
• Affinity for large data sets, modeling and visualization of data;
• Good knowledge of at least one of the relevant technologies & economic sectors;
• Ability to work independently, to critically assess your own results;
• Ability to mentor more junior researchers and to cooperate within a wider research team;
• Good communication, reporting and presentation skills;
• High proficiency in written and spoken English;
• Working proficiency or native speaker in Dutch is strongly preferred.

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. 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.
• 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.

The selection process

Please apply before the 5th of January, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 21st of January, 2025. In a final meeting we will discuss the terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to finalize the entire process within four weeks.The selection process may include an online assessment and a reference check.A certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.

Has this job opening sparked your interest?

Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter.

Email: anouk.bos@tno.nl

We are TNO: This is our time

This is the time for us to find innovative solutions that will make an impact. The time to lead the world in safety and security, make our lives healthier, and take sustainability to the next level.