Scientific project manager

Scientific project manager bij Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut (KNMI)

Dit ga je doen

Climate change and air quality challenges demand robust science and strong coordination. As a scientific project manager at KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute), you ensure that leading atmospheric composition research turns into real-world impact. Ready to help drive cutting-edge climate science forward at an international level?

How you make an impact

As scientific project manager, you work at the heart of KNMI’s atmospheric composition and climate research. You are part of a dynamic, ambitious group of scientists studying air quality, climate change, and atmospheric processes using state-of-the-art models, in-situ measurements, and satellite observations.

KNMI leads several European satellite and research consortia, and you play a crucial role in keeping these complex projects on track. You oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of scientific projects from proposal to delivery. This includes managing timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables, while ensuring alignment with scientific goals and funder requirements.

You act as the central link between scientists, international research partners, and funding bodies. By facilitating clear communication and collaboration, you help translate scientific ambitions into structured project plans and tangible results. You maintain clear and accurate documentation, prepare progress reports, and support decision-making by senior management.

A project you can work on is TROPOMI. KNMI leads the scientific group of 10 European partners. Together, they are responsible for the data quality of the TROPOMI satellite instrument.

Beyond day-to-day coordination, you actively look for ways to improve project and service management processes. Your work enables scientists to focus on what they do best: delivering high-quality research that informs policy, supports society, and advances our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Your team

The department R&D Satellite Observations consists of approximately 55 persons, predominantly scientific staff at MSc/PhD level. The cluster that you will work in has about 15 team members. People working full are expected to work in the office more than three days per week. RDSW breaths a positive atmosphere. Colleagues like to have a cup of coffee together and are very approachable. The mix of men and women of different ages and with diverse backgrounds also contributes to a pleasant working atmosphere within the department.

Dit bieden we nog meer

At our organization, you’ll work on meaningful projects that make a real impact in the Netherlands. In a workplace that values your professional growth and recognizes your contributions. Our benefits reflect that commitment.

Core benefits that provide security:

• 144 hours of annual leave per year (based on a 36-hour work week)
• Full public transport reimbursement or a mileage allowance of € 0,07 or € 0,21 per km (conditions apply)
• Mobile phone and laptop
• € 750 budget for setting up your home workspace, plus a daily homeworking allowance of € 2,40
• Pension scheme through ABP

A supportive environment that encourages growth:

• Hybrid working options tailored to your role, in consultation with your manager
• Personal development opportunities, training and career coaching

Flexible benefits designed around your life:

• Individual Choice Budget (IKB): use this budget (the amount is 16.5% of your salary) for options such as repaying student loans, purchasing a (electric) bike with accessories, company fitness, making your home more sustainable, or other tax-friendly purposes
• Flexible leave arrangements, including care leave, parental leave, adoption leave, and foster care leave
• Our program provides support for visas and related matters, and language training (it does not include accommodation)

Dit vragen wij

Knowledge and experience

• An MSc or PhD in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with project management and documentation in a scientific or research environment.
• Affinity with atmospheric composition, climate research, and/or satellite-based observation projects.

Skills and competencies

• You bring structure to complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• You communicate clearly and effectively with diverse international stakeholders.
• You balance different interests, build consensus, and motivate teams.
• You enjoy working collaboratively in an international research setting.

Languages

• Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
• Fluency in Dutch is an advantage.

Don’t meet every requirement but do recognize yourself in the essence of this role? We would still love to hear your story.

Hier kom je te werken

Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute

The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) provides knowledge as the national center of expertise and data for weather, climate, and seismology, focused on what the Netherlands needs: a safe society that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate change, and seismic activity.

R&D Satellite Observations

The R&D Satellite Observations (RDSW) department contributes to weather and climate research and monitoring of the Earth system by utilizing the observations of satellites as well as surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations. Its main research objectives are climate research, air quality and stratospheric ozone. The satellite activities of the department encompass the entire range from collecting user requirements, developing instrument concepts, generating the required satellite products, to atmospheric research using the satellite data.

Bijzonderheden

Location and working arrangements

Your official workplace is De Bilt. At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), we actively encourage hybrid working. In consultation with your manager and colleagues, you can work from home or at the office, depending on the nature of your role.

Additional information

• If we receive sufficient suitable applications, the vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline.
• An (online) pre-selection test or assessment may be part of the recruitment process. Completing a case assignment and undergoing (online) screening, such as through databases, may also be included. Reference checks may be conducted as well.
• Start of the role is expected in Q2 2026.