Biomedical Optical Scientist

About the position

TNO Optics designs and fabricates high‑end optical systems for a broad range of applications, including space‑based atmospheric monitoring, optical satellite communication, medical instrumentation, quantum technologies, structural health monitoring, and semiconductor industry instrumentation. The work is for customers such as Airbus, NASA, and Heidelberg Engineering. Our optics expertise ranges from large‑scale geometrical optics to fibre optics, integrated photonics and sub‑wavelength metamaterials.

As an Optical Scientist, you will specialize in developing and analysing Monte‑Carlo–based light propagation simulations. You will work on TNO’s in‑house Python package for photon‑propagation simulations (TOMCA), focusing on retinal and skin applications and contributing to experimental validation with artificial tissues and clinical data.

• Develop and refine software for optics simulation models.
• Collaborate with the team to interpret simulation results and provide insights.
• Manage stakeholder relationships for both internal and external projects.
• Design and perform experiments to validate simulation outputs.
• Assist in troubleshooting and optimizing code, including Python, MATLAB, and CUDA.
• Conduct literature research and interpret medical research to inform simulations.
• Maintain up‑to‑date documentation and contribute to project organization.

• PhD in physics, biomedical optics, or equivalent experience.
• Experience with light‑propagation modelling using Monte‑Carlo simulations.
• Strong coding skills, particularly in Python; experience with MATLAB and CUDA is a plus.
• Three years of experience with clinical trials, commercial medical devices, and/or post‑doctoral research.
• Interest in the medical domain and contributing to healthcare innovations.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with a strong internal motivation for finding the “story” in data.
• A methodical data‑analysis mindset, useful for multi‑dimensional parameter‑space analysis.
• Fluent communication in English.

We offer a gross monthly salary between €4,804.00 and €6,545.00, based on experience, plus 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33%, and a flex budget (5.58% + €180). Additional benefits include:

• Professional, innovative working environment with leading experts.
• Opportunities to attend courses, workshops, conferences, and receive training and coaching.
• 33 days of annual leave plus a flexible holiday.
• Inclusive and equitable workplace initiatives such as Jong TNO, expertise‑based guilds, Rainbow Community, and Round Tables on diverse inclusion topics.
• Mobility plan with full compensation for public transportation and business travel.
• Social events and flexible working hours; partial‑time and remote work options.
• Extensive relocation package for international candidates and a good pension scheme.

TNO is an employer that works towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, or background.