Do you want to use satellite data to help address societal challenges related to subsidence, seismicity, groundwater management, and sustainable energy? To strengthen our Geomechanics team, we are looking for a research scientist in InSAR-Geodesy. In this role, you will work with experts to advance InSAR-based observation techniques for monitoring natural and human-induced geohazards. You will turn raw SAR satellite data into reliable deformation time series and help translate these data into insights that are directly valuable for research, projects, and clients.
You will work across the full InSAR processing chain, from data processing and quality control to interpretation. You will develop software tools that make our processing robust, scalable, and reproducible. At the same time, you will have the opportunity to integrate these InSAR observations with physical modelling of geohazards, such as subsidence, earthquakes, mining and post-mining effects, and infrastructure monitoring. In doing so, you will help build knowledge that supports topics such as groundwater management, mining activities, geothermal energy, and energy storage.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and maintain software for advanced InSAR data processing, such as interferogram formation, phase unwrapping, atmospheric correction, and time-series inversion.
- Process and quality-control multi-temporal InSAR stacks to derive ground deformation products.
- Improve and automate existing InSAR processing workflows for operational and research use.
- Integrate InSAR-derived deformation measurements with geomechanical models.
- Contribute to research proposals, technical reports, and scientific publications.
- Support project acquisition and client communication.
You enjoy working in multidisciplinary project teams and are motivated by connecting science, technology, and practical applications. Your work will include InSAR processing, algorithm development, and research, as well as contributing to proposals, reports, and scientific publications. You will also help identify new project opportunities and maintain contact with clients. You will join a team with strong expertise in geomechanics, particularly in human-induced subsidence and seismicity. As you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners, you are able to communicate effectively in English.
What else do you bring?
- A PhD in geodesy, geophysics, or remote sensing. Other relevant degrees will also be considered.
- Hands-on experience with InSAR data processing, for example with GAMMA, ISCE, StaMPS, GMTSAR, or similar software packages.
- Demonstrated experience processing and analyzing SAR data from Sentinel-1, RadarSAT-2, TerraSAR-X, or other commercial satellites.
- Solid understanding of InSAR error sources and correction methods, such as atmospheric delay, orbital errors, phase unwrapping, and DEM errors.
- Strong coding and software development skills, preferably in Python. Experience with geospatial or SAR libraries is a plus.
- Solid understanding of geodetic concepts and experience with GPS/GNSS data processing is desirable.
- Research background in geomechanics or ground deformation modelling.
- Strong analytical skills and a solid research track record.
- Ability to write high-quality academic texts as well as clear, concise reports, proposals, and grants.
- Able to work independently, responsibly, and in a results-driven manner.
- Customer-oriented with good communication skills.
- Interest in both research and business-to-business consultancy projects.
- Interest in participating in the acquisition of new projects.
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 € 4.100 and € 5.900 (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.
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 plus a flexible holiday that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing (on a full-time basis).
- An employer working towards a respectful, inclusive, and equitable work environment where every employee can flourish, with various initiatives such as Jong TNO, numerous expertise based guilds, Rainbow Community and Round Tables on diverse 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 or 36 hours) and the possibility of working from home.
- Extensive relocation package for international candidates.
A good pension scheme.
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Read more about tailoring your benefits package.
Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity. That is why we invest in an inspiring and inclusive working environment where colleagues can excel, have autonomy and continue to grow.
Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.
At TNO, we believe this is our time to help society, government and business move forward faster. Together with driven colleagues, you turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that truly make a difference by combining the power of science and entrepreneurship. And in doing so, you make your mark on our time.
Please apply before the 20th of September, 2026. 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 Conduct (VOG) is required before starting a new job at TNO.
