Research manager Digital Built Environment | Delft

A liveable future for all! Would you like to contribute to this? You can do so as a Research Manager in the Digital Built Environment (DBE) research group of the Mobility and Built Environment (MBE) unit. In this role, you’ll make an important contribution to our ambition to work with the government, businesses, and knowledge institutions to create a more sustainable living environment.

About us 
The DBE research group has over 30 employees working together on digitisation issues related to buildings, artworks, greenhouses, and houses. Our technology lines are asset lifecycle management, computational modelling and AI, predictive digital twins, and multi-criteria analysis. We apply several areas of expertise, including systems engineering, data science, BIM, linked data, scientific standardisation programming, and modelling. Our projects are for and with industry, public authorities, and other stakeholders at home and abroad. Our impact areas are high-tech greenhouses, data-driven infrastructures, data-driven buildings, and digital indoor climate and energy. We also frequently collaborate with experts from other TNO departments, with digitisation often being an enabler, accelerator, and scale-up of innovations in mobility and the built environment. 

The department was launched in January 2023, based in Delft, with digitisation experts from the unit, complemented by new colleagues with new areas of expertise. We have a diverse mix of recent graduates and experienced employees from a range of academic backgrounds. The group is relatively young (the average age is 41) and international (around 23% international). The working language is English, but it’s important that Dutch is also spoken regularly, as we have many Dutch-speaking stakeholders and clients. We also have weekly informal stand-ups with cake and enjoy social events from time to time.

This year, we set up the Predictive Twin Lab. DBE is leading the way in developing this lab within TNO with external visibility. We’re also heavily involved in the Joint Innovation Centre, a collaboration between TNO and the University of Twente. Finally, Hortivation and Rijkswaterstaat are our two main accounts. With Hortivation, we’re focusing on innovation in greenhouse agriculture, with an emphasis on greenhouses and adaptive and autonomous growing. Together with Rijkswaterstaat, we’re focusing on the digitisation aspects of replacing engineering structures such as bridges. 

The role
As Research Manager, you’re ultimately responsible for all aspects of your research group. From strategy to operations and from planning to execution. Your duties will also include personnel matters. Your team will consist of around 30 professionals who want to be challenged by you in their personal and professional development. This means you’ll not only be their manager, but also someone who can empathise with and build on their expertise and discuss with them how they can grow in both their expertise and their personal development. This requires knowledge of the relevant professional fields and an understanding of the network of stakeholders and the interests involved. 
As there is a lot of collaboration with other departments, this requires explicit attention to these connections and joint alignment of relevant technology developments. As Research Manager, you recognise this importance and provide direction. 

As Research Manager, you’ll provide an inspiring vision aligned with the MBE unit’s strategy. You’ll ensure that knowledge and capacity are aligned with market demand, both internally and externally. In addition, the DBE Research Manager is part of the Energy Positive Built Environment proposition team within the unit. The Research Manager also has a good link to other propositions, such as civil infrastructure and circular and industrial construction. The development of a high-quality technology portfolio and staff development will be among your core tasks. You’ll lead day-to-day operations, monitor project progress, and liaise with relevant stakeholders. Together with MBE’s management team, you’ll build a strong unit for the future.

As Research Manager, you’re driven by the desire to help your team grow and together contribute to the world of tomorrow. You recognise, appreciate, and encourage the unique talents of each individual, while also possessing a self-reflective quality. The better you know yourself, the better you’re able to engage with your colleagues. This allows you to really connect with your staff and create an inspiring working environment, in which innovation, societal impact, collaboration, and collegial relationships go hand in hand. You’re resilient and know how to deal with resistance or setbacks. You understand the relationships within TNO and are able to act decisively at key moments. You’re able to look beyond yourself, as TNO’s or the unit’s interests ultimately come first. It’s therefore important that you don’t lose yourself in details but that you organise and delegate. But also that you take advice when making decisions and make good use of the wealth of knowledge and experience available in the department. Asking questions, consulting, and ultimately daring to decide are important qualities. You know how to match your TNO employees’ expertise with market demands. When new topics arise, you will plan how to further develop the specific expertise needed and which research facilities are appropriate.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A relevant master’s degree, for example in the field of digitisation, data science, or civil engineering.
• Experience in (deputy) management position(s). You have experience in (financial) operations, risk management, and QSHE (Quality, Safety, Health, and Environment).
• You have a command of both Dutch and English at a minimum level of B2.
• You’re flexible and able to execute a wide range of tasks within a complex environment.
• You have an affinity with the content of the department’s work and the areas in which it operates.

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.
• 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 or a leased car.
• 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.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

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.

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.