Research Manager Building and Energy Systems

Overview

About this position

Who are we? The Buildings and Energy Systems expertise group consists of around thirty-five colleagues who work together to accelerate the sustainability of the built environment (by 2050) in light of the transition to an energy‑positive built environment, where health, comfort, quality and affordability go hand in hand, supported by scalable solutions, often driven by data‑driven innovation.

The department contributes to achieving climate objectives in the built environment by industrialising and scaling up renovation and construction processes. By analysing the construction chain and developing standardised products, processes and tools, large‑scale sustainability improvements to homes and buildings are made possible. The focus is on effective practical implementation, accelerating renovations, and creating opportunities for broad application and further valorisation.

Additionally, the department is dedicated to improving the performance and reliability of sustainable installations, energy use and indoor environments across various building types, including healthcare facilities. By combining measurements, models, laboratory research and insights into user behaviour, energy efficiency, comfort, health and affordability are optimised in conjunction. With an integrated approach—bringing together technology, building physics, architecture and social sciences—the department supports innovation, standardisation and decision‑making for future‑proof and healthy buildings.

The strength of the department lies in connecting technical, social and domain knowledge. This enables the development of regulations and standards while providing solutions through product and system innovations. In this way, the department supports both public authorities (policy objectives, standardisation) and private parties (practical innovations). The department has unique laboratory facilities such as climate chambers and a facility for researching exposure to particles and the configuration and performance of ventilation systems.

What will be your role?

As research manager you are ultimately responsible for all aspects of the department, from strategy to operations and from planning to execution. You are also responsible for all personnel matters. Your team consists of around 36 professionals who want to be challenged by you in their personal and professional development. Therefore, you are not only their manager, but also someone who can empathise with and build on the expertise they possess, discussing with them how they can grow both in their specialism and in their personal development.

This requires knowledge of the relevant fields and an understanding of the network of stakeholders and the interests involved.

As research manager, you provide an inspiring vision, aligned with the strategy of the MBE Unit. You ensure the alignment of knowledge and capacity with market demand and stimulate collaboration with other expertise groups, both within and outside our unit. Developing a high‑quality technology portfolio and marketing it by connecting with relevant propositions are among your core tasks. Following the sharpening of the portfolio last year, there is also an important task in further building the teams and expertise needed to realise this direction.

You lead daily operations, monitor project progress and maintain contact with relevant stakeholders.

Due to the nature of some of the activities and the use of laboratory facilities, as research manager you have final responsibility for policy and implementation of measures relating to Quality, Safety, Health and Environment (QSHE). Naturally, you also work together with the management team of MBE. Together, we are building a strong Unit for the future.

• A relevant university master’s degree, for example in process technology, mechanical engineering or building engineering.
• Extensive experience in managerial roles; you have experience with (financial) business operations, risk management and QSHE (Quality, Safety, Health and Environment).
• In addition, you are accustomed to working in a project‑driven environment where…