There are several not-for-profit independent research organizations in the Netherlands where you can start working as a researcher or scientific consultant. You can think of organizations like TNO, KWF and Sanquin.

Many different job titles exist for jobs with a research aspect in the not-for-profit sector, examples are: scientist, researcher, project manager, modeller, engineer, consultant. It’s good to keep your eyes open for all kinds of titles.

One of the not-for-profit organizations where you can start working as a PhD graduate is TNO. To give you an idea of what a research job in this sector entails, we will highlight the tasks of the Scientist Innovator function at TNO. In this function your tasks are to:

  • contribute to the development of an excellent knowledge level of the organization (in discipline, methods, techniques, product application)
  • introduce knowledge into multidisciplinary projects
  • give poster presentations at conferences
  • contribute to building domain knowledge
  • contribute qualitatively to different projects
  • lead small projects
  • develop a network in own discipline
  • supervise interns

Competencies

As a researcher in the not-for-profit sector your specific scientific knowledge is highly appreciated. Besides your expertise on the subject, other competences are important as well. TNO, for example, would also like to see the competences of:

  • creativity
  • learning capacity
  • collaboration
  • customer and result orientation

Salary indication

TNO starters job: € 2744-5386