Scientist Risk & Reliability for civil structures

TNO conducts applied research for the built environment. The Mobility & Built Environment Unit (MBE) is looking for a starter or medior scientist in the Risk & Reliability domain, applied to civil structures. Direct involvement in research into the consequences of the effects of climate change to our flood defences, looking into remaining lifetime of the large bridges in the Netherlands under changing traffic loads, or applying your advanced probabilistic analysis to maintenance strategies for offshore wind farms. How impactful do you want to be?

You perform qualitative and quantitative analyses to determine the risks and reliability of civil engineering structures. These include bridges, flyovers, quay walls in ports, sheet piling, flood barriers and the foundations of wind turbines at sea. As every structure is different, has a different history and is exposed to different conditions, every project is a voyage of discovery for you. Together with your colleagues from the project team you come up with new solutions and develop applications to perform calculations. You do this for clients such as Rijkswaterstaat (Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management), municipalities, energy and port companies, and in consortia with other national and international research institutions.

Your analyses answer questions such as ‘how much longer will this structure last?’ or ‘how can we optimise the design?’ Your goal is to fulfil the customer’s wishes as well as possible. In doing so, you think outside the box and beyond the usual methods. After all, that is often the reason why the customer comes to TNO. Sometimes this means that you do not immediately find the solution. But by working together and exchanging knowledge with colleagues and researchers from other organisations, such as Deltares and Delft University of Technology, you always get a step further. You will usually work at our office in Delft.

This vacancy is open to both starters and mediors. In consultation with you and based on your knowledge, ambitions and interests, we determine what your exact duties will look like. As a starter, you will receive more guidance from mediors and seniors in the beginning. As a medior, we expect you to be able to set up and carry out research independently, working in a team. You will also often have an independent advisory role towards our clients.

You have an open mind, which enables you to think outside the box effortlessly and work closely together in a diverse and international team. It is easy for you to establish contact with experts outside TNO. As you will be working for clients in many cases, it is a plus if you are also able to take on the role of consultant and advise our clients. What else can you offer?

• A university master’s degree in a technical field, such as civil engineering, physics or mathematics. A PhD in structural safety or risk analysis is an advantage.
• 2-5 years’ work experience is an advantage.
• Knowledge and demonstrable extensive experience of stochasticity and probabilistics, probabilistic modelling.
• Knowledge of analytical methods for risk and reliability.
• Knowledge of civil engineering structures, especially concrete and steel structures.
• Experience with EEM modelling of the nonlinear behaviour of civil engineering structures.
• Experience with programming (e.g. Python, Matlab, C, Fortran).
• Good reporting skills. Being able to report in Dutch is an advantage.
• Goal-oriented and customer-oriented work attitude.

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 € 3.124,- and € 6.405,- (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.

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 4th of November, 2023. The selection process comprises two interview rounds. The preliminary interview takes place on the 10th of November, 2023. The second interview round has been scheduled for the 17th of November, 2023. 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.