Data Scientist for Safety Assessments of Automated Driving

Introduction
The department Integrated Vehicle Safety (IVS) in Helmond is part of the Unit Mobility & Built Environment. IVS works on societal challenges in the field of mobility and transport, in particular reduction of traffic casualties and creation of new concepts for automated driving. When you join IVS, you will join an inspiring international team of experts with expertise in safety assessment, artificial intelligence, control engineering, world modelling, motion planning and human factors, working both nationally and internationally, for industry and public parties.

To make sure that automated driving is introduced on public roads in a safe and responsible way, we need to prove that automated driving functions can handle all situations it encounters on the road. To describe the possible situations that can be encountered on the road, TNO has developed the TNO StreetWise data processing pipeline, which automatically detects and classifies scenarios from real-world data from vehicles driving on public road. Scenarios could be: overtaking on highway, or: making a left turn in the city with cyclist oncoming. The TNO StreetWise pipeline uses sensor data from vehicles to detect vehicle activities, which are used to mine scenarios describing the interaction between the vehicles. The detected scenarios are parametrised and stored in a scenario database that can be used for testing automated driving functions. The TNO StreetWise pipeline has been developed with several industry partners. Adoption by industry is growing and already led to many new features. Technology readiness (TRL) is around 6-7.

Due to the application of StreetWise to the safety assessment of high-risk systems, explainability and reproducibility of the results is of the highest importance. This limits the use of artificial intelligence algorithms and creates a preference for conventional deterministic algorithms.
TNO IVS is contributing to policy making with the Dutch ministry, Dutch type approval body RDW and the European Partners in Connected, Cooperative & Automated Mobility (CCAM). TNO IVS is involved in consumer testing through Euro NCAP. In this way, we contribute to policy, testing and creating technical proof of concepts to accelerate the safe adoption of automated driving. In scenario-based assessment methodology, TNO is one of the leading parties in Europe. 

What will be your role?
You will be involved in developing new features for the TNO StreetWise scenario detection pipeline, coding deterministic algorithms in Python. Together with our partners, we define the roadmap and upcoming sprints for the development of this pipeline. Your role is to turn loose requirements into functionality that can be used directly. Naturally, this is tested thoroughly.
Over time, you will gain sufficient overview of the application to help define what is needed next. Eventually you will become active in more projects and broader activities in TNO.
You will always consider your contributions in the context of proving safety or performance of a (partially) automated vehicle. Since this is a R&D environment, you have a lot of liberty in defining objectives, approaches and architecture.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and improve deterministic detection and analysis algorithms in Python;
• Work together with the team on test and deployment of new elements of the pipeline;
• Align with team members and the product owner to verify your assumptions and approaches;
• Contribute to refining loose requirements into Agile stories with clear acceptance criteria and a technical approach;
• Contribute to the team meetings with ideas, suggestions and solutions;
• Process real-world driving data sets on a cloud platform;
• Develop yourself and join other IVS projects to broaden your scope and impact.

• M.Sc. degree in data science, automotive, software engineering or similar;
• Expertise in data analytics / data science approaches and good knowledge of statistics;
• Substantial experience with programming in Python (> 2 years);
• Capable of organising your own work independently;
• Familiar with Agile way of working and version management (such as Git/CI-CD);
• Interest to connect software with the end user application and the methodology for safety assessment.

If you have experience in software simulation, software testing, software architecture, databases or cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure), this is an advantage.

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 € 3.340,- and € 5.340,- (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.

Perhaps you would like to grow your career in the direction of commerce or consultancy? Or would you like to become a project manager? Immerse yourself in sustainable innovations? Or carve out a career as a technical expert?

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.
• Access to our Talent Development Programme.
• Networking opportunities and great activities organized by Jong TNO.
• 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 15th of May, 2023. 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 Good Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.