Medior Researcher Building Physics of Biobased Constructions

Will you help shape this era by researching innovative biobased constructions in the building sector?

About this position

The construction industry faces a major sustainability challenge. One solution that more and more stakeholders are embracing? Building with biobased materials. Materials such as wood, flax, and straw offer many advantages as lightweight, natural, and circular resources from CO₂ absorption to reduced nitrogen emissions. In the coming years, biobased construction will rapidly expand in the Netherlands. This raises numerous research questions. And that’s where you come in! You have the opportunity to take the lead in answering these questions through research. The journey of exploring biobased materials is an exciting and innovative one, where you also contribute to a better future for our planet. Read on to discover how you can make your mark on this era!

What will be your role?

You will participate in various multidisciplinary research projects, where your knowledge of biobased materials, construction technology, and building physics is highly valuable. For example, you’ll study the hygrothermal behavior of CLT, the role of conventional and biobased insulation materials in moisture transport, and how moisture introduced during construction affects performance. Using HAM simulations (e.g., in WUFI or Delphin), you’ll assess moisture and mold risks and contribute to sustainable building solutions.

You’ll take time to delve deeper into technical standards, the properties and behavior of various biobased materials, and the challenges of applying biobased materials in hybrid designs (wood combined with concrete, for example). You’ll also research different window frame details, including frameless designs. Based on your findings, you’ll develop new calculation rules and lab or field tests that help companies develop and optimize products from insulation materials, floors, and walls to complete housing units.

The goal? To collaborate with the market in developing successful industrial products that meet government requirements and the needs of building occupants and users. And with the wide variety of biobased materials, applications, and construction systems, that’s a fresh challenge every time.

You’ll have frequent contact with both practical specialists from the construction field and fellow TNO researchers and other scientists. The team is relatively new and still growing. You’ll conduct research through desk studies, experiments, pilot production in our labs, or field tests and demonstrators. You’ll work with professionals in areas such as fire safety, sustainability, durability, wood technology, building acoustics, building physics, and industrialization. Together, you’ll pioneer timber construction and bring innovative insights from the international market and science to Dutch builders. The result? A strong boost for sustainable and circular construction!

What we expect from you

You have broad experience in building physics, particularly in modeling heat, moisture, and air dynamics in building constructions. You know how to analyze, quantify, and simulate these physical processes such as moisture transport, heat flows, and air permeability using appropriate software. You’re curious, critical, and driven to understand the “why” behind physical phenomena and to investigate them independently. You also enjoy sharing your findings, both through scientific publications and practical conversations with builders and designers.

You also bring:

• A master’s degree in civil engineering or architecture with a specialization in building physics. You’re also practically oriented and familiar with construction sites;
• At least 5 years of work experience as a technical building expert with knowledge of building physics;
• Clear affinity with biobased materials and knowledge of building physics, preferably also materials science;
• Knowledge of and experience with conducting research, including familiarity with modern research methods and techniques;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Dutch, and a good command of English;
• Experience with software simulations of thermal and hygric processes (e.g., WUFI, Delphin, or other HAM models Heat, Air, and Moisture) is a plus.

What can you expect from your work environment?

You’ll work in a multidisciplinary team. Specifically, you’ll join the Building Materials & Structures department, which includes around 50 colleagues. This department is part of the Mobility & Built Environment (MBE) unit, where approximately 450 dedicated experts are active in construction and infrastructure. Our backgrounds include architecture, civil engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, and digitalization. We tackle societal challenges in safety, health, and sustainability. Our knowledge base covers the entire lifecycle of a building from initial plans, design, and construction to usage and eventual demolition. After all, building components can be a valuable source for reuse.

The department offers you varied work across multiple projects for different clients. Project scopes range from experimental research into new technologies and applications, simulation and feasibility studies, conducting and analyzing measurement campaigns, to actually building prototypes and even final products.

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 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.
• 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.