Scientist combustion and sustainable industrial heat systems | Petten

As a scientist you will become part of the expertise cluster combustion and sustainable heat systems. You contribute to the development of modern options of high temperature heat delivery for industrial processes and built environment, from sustainable fuels and electricity. This encompasses involvement in the development of heat rising systems and their integration and dedicated application within specific (current and future) industrial environments, including all major industrial branches. You are responsible for setting up and carrying out R&D projects to investigate and optimize the technology, and to help bring it to maturity based on a thorough understanding of anticipated future market needs as well as on already available (competing) technical solutions. You assist in broadly scoped testing of handling aspects (grindability tests, pneumatic transport experiments, dust formation and dispersion, explosivity) of solid fuels as well as material stability aspects throughout the integral low/high temperature conversion chain (erosion, corrosion, melt formation). You ensure that these R&D projects are properly executed (as project manager/task leader), and you document your results in patent applications, internal reports, customer reports and scientific publications. 

The research department Biobased and Circular technologies (BCT) researches and develops breakthrough technologies to convert a diverse pool of biomass, and biobased and plastic residues into sustainable chemicals, materials and energy products. These, often proprietary, technologies are in general based on thermochemical conversion processes . BCT consists of approximately 55 people with various educational backgrounds, such as chemistry, chemical technology, and mechanical engineering at both technical and academic level.

Technology and application research and development at BCT is conducted in multidisciplinary and international teams and, when successful, technologies are validated at pilot-scale as a first step in bringing them to market together with our commercial partners. This also involves on-site measurement campaigns, in which you are also supposed to participate. In this way we make a concrete impact on the energy and energy/chemicals/materials transition, and we contribute to making the Netherlands and the rest of the World more sustainable.

At TNO, you never work alone. You’re often surrounded by different colleagues and external partners. This requires good collaboration and communication skills. You also understand the art of looking beyond what is already there. You’re not afraid to break new ground and contribute to solutions for the energy transition that didn’t exist yesterday or weren’t even imaginable.

You are passionate about applied experimental research. You are a team player who recognizes and appreciates the competences of the various team members and you are pro-active and willing to take the lead when action is required for the benefit of the team. You enjoy working in a multidisciplinary, international, and gender-balanced team. You have an open mindset, enjoy learning from your colleagues and share knowledge within the team.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• You have a MSc or PhD in Chemical/Process technology or (Environmental/Industrial) Chemistry with proven experience in R&D on thermochemical technologies. Both organic and inorganic thermochemical chemistry knowledge is indispensable and should be adequately proven. You have proven experience in documenting or publishing scientific and technical results;
• In-depth knowledge of current and future industrial environments, including all major industry branches. You are fluent in the English language and preferably in Dutch (if not, we offer courses to master the Dutch language).

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 € 3.226 and € 5.703 (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;
• An employer that values and encourages diverse talent, with initiatives like the Female Leadership Program, our Rainbow Community and round tables on inclusion topics;
• 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;
• • A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

The Biobased and Circular Technologies group develops technologies for the transition to a circular and bio-based sustainable energy and raw materials society. The group has an excellent track record in technology development for bio-based and circular economy processes. We offer a challenging working environment in a field that is of great importance for our future needs. As a chemist you will work in a team of ~50 people developing processes for the conversion of biomass (residues) and waste plastics into valuable products. The work comprises of a wide variety of project tasks, ranging from small consultancy projects to multi-year European projects.

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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

Please apply before the 12th of January, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. 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.