Senior Economist | The Hague

We’re facing significant challenges: from fossil fuel-induced climate change to balancing housing development, nature conservation, and sustainable energy infrastructure in the scarce space available. In addition, the changing geopolitical situation requires new ways of working together, as well as a critical look at our international dependencies. To address these complex issues, we are focusing on social and economic progress with broad prosperity as our goal. Innovation plays a major part in this. This requires collaboration and innovation in technology, economy, and governance. Are you the one to help us shape these transitions?

The department:
You’ll be working at TNO Vector, the centre for social innovation and strategy, within the Economics & Innovation Policy department. Here, we combine technology, innovation, and policy knowledge to find solutions to major societal and economic issues. We do this with about 25 colleagues from backgrounds such as economics, econometrics, and innovation management and policy. TNO considers these non-technological knowledge areas increasingly important for solving the aforementioned social challenges. The department approaches problems from different perspectives and translates ideas into concrete applications.

You’ll be working with your colleagues on national and European projects focusing on:

• Current policies for technology, innovation, and industry.
• National and regional growth strategies.
• Strategic autonomy.
• Increasing investment in R&D.
• Broad well-being-related implications of policies.

In your role as an experienced economist, you’ll be engaged in the substantive and scientific development of the ‘economics team’ within the department. Togeter with a programme manager and business developer, you’ll be responsible for the further development of a portfolio of projects and programmes aimed at the innovation system in the Netherlands. For this, you create vision and strategy and ensure the development of the methods and techniques to be used. This includes topics such as the Dutch economic competitiveness, possible funding transitions, growth sectors, innovation opportunities, and existing and new funding for R&D.

You’ll carry out quantitative and qualitative analyses as part of a team and translate the results in a clear way into the implications for citizens, businesses, and governments. Your focus will be on the macro-economic effects and broad welfare effects that cannot always be expressed in financial terms. The E&IP department helps private and public commissioning parties as well as the more technological units within TNO to make strategic choices to increase their social and economic impact.

Our economists are generally engaged in the exploration, optimisation, monitoring, and evaluation of the economic consequences of applied technology. What makes your job special is that you have a broad focus area and bring a specific perspective that is vital to the success of applied technology and transitions in our society. You will explore many urgent, important themes such as the energy transition, circular economy, digital society, industrial transformation, and mobility transition.

You will work on projects with TNO colleagues and external partners in multidisciplinary teams. With your research, analyses, presentations, and reports, you’ll contribute to the coherent understanding and interpretation of trends, developments, and societal impact, seen in a broad welfare context. In doing this, you’ll support complex policy-making and decision-making. You’ll often take on a content-driven role.

• Preferably a completed PhD in a relevant field (macro or general economics), with publications in more recent years as well.
• Extensive work experience in applied research and consultancy projects, preferably in the field of macroeconomics, innovation economics, energy economics or market regulation, with societal impact as a goal.
• Intrinsic motivation to achieve social impact through scientific research.
• A good track record of scientific publications.
• A network in the Dutch policy and/or research community.
• Managerial and coaching qualities; you’re someone who functions well in a collaborative environment, where dialogues are sometimes critical but always constructive and respectful.
• Good command of both Dutch and English (both at least B2), verbal and written.

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 € 5,500. and € 7,250. (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.
• 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.

Please apply before the 19th of January, 2025. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 29th 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.

As you will be working for clients in the domain of defence and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by AIVD (The Dutch General Information and Security Service) is mandatory. This means you will have to undergo a security screening. Read more about security screening.