Legal Counsel TNO

TNO The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands

Legal Counsel TNO

About This Position

As Legal Counsel at TNO, you will work at the cutting edge of the latest technology and contribute to solutions for societal issues such as climate change, safety, mobility, defence, ICT and medical diagnostics, among others. We are looking for several Legal Counsels (mid-level/senior) for our Legal Contracting team. Do you want to work on changes that matter together with leading companies and passionate researchers? Apply now!

What will be your role?

Your main responsibility is to draft, review, and support negotiating (R&D) contracts between TNO and its clients and collaboration partners. The substantive focus for this vacancy is on technological innovations. You'll be the internal legal point of contact for enquiries about the relevant contracts. You'll collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders and actively contribute to finding the right balance between legislation, commercial interests, and risks. You will also interact with stakeholders within the organisation, such as market directors, business developers and research managers of the relevant unit, and you will fulfill a coordinating role within internal project teams to ensure good collaboration and progress in legal processes of strategic importance.

You will work within the Legal Contracting department, part of the Legal, Compliance & IP department. The Legal Contracting department consists of around 35 legal professionals. The department is part of the broader Legal, Compliance & IP team, which includes lawyers, patent and trademark attorneys, compliance and ethics professionals, contract managers and support staff across the country. There are opportunities to further develop yourself and to progress to other positions within Legal, Compliance & IP.

The Legal Counsel reports to the Head of Legal Contracting, who reports to the General Counsel. Your place of employment is to be determined. You will advise on activities at various TNO sites, including Utrecht, Amsterdam, Delft, The Hague, Eindhoven and Helmond.

What We Expect From You

You're an experienced Legal Counsel (mid-level/senior) who thrives in dynamic and innovative research environments. You proactively involve the right people and act as a bridge-builder between the legal departments within Legal, Compliance & IP. You can move smoothly while remaining steadfast, becoming a valuable legal sounding board.

Other Knowledge and Skills You Bring To TNO

• A completed legal master's degree in Dutch law or a bachelor's degree in Dutch law with a relevant specialist master's degree such as Law & Technology.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in business and/or law.
• Extensive experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex national and international contracts.
• Affinity with R&D and technological innovations; extensive experience with public-private partnerships is an advantage.
• Business-minded, pragmatic and cooperative, with an eye on legal risk management and constructive collaboration.
• Excellent command of spoken and written Dutch and English.

What You'll Get In Return

Challenging and varied work with real impact, and opportunities to shape your career at TNO. We offer a gross monthly salary based on knowledge and experience, 8% holiday pay, a 13th month bonus of 8.33%, and a flex budget (5.58% + €180). You will have opportunities to develop yourself and tailor your benefits package.

TNO offers optional employee benefits and a range of incentives, including:

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment with leading experts.
• Opportunities to attend courses, workshops and conferences, with training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis.
• Active diversity and inclusion initiatives and a supportive working culture.
• Comprehensive and flexible mobility plan including full compensation for public transportation for commuting and business travel.
• Social events with your team and colleagues.
• Flexible working hours, potential for part-time (32 hours) and possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.

Read more about tailoring your benefits package.

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life and a strong economy. Since 1932 we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We value diverse talent and aim to create an inclusive environment where you can be yourself. Our facilities support your vision, and your work at TNO matters and makes a difference.

The selection process

Please apply before 26 October 2025. The process includes two interview rounds and a final meeting to discuss terms of employment and your tailored benefits package. We aim to conclude the process within four weeks. The process may include an online assessment and reference checks. A Certificate of Conduct (VOG) is required before starting. Because you will work for clients in defense and security, a Certificate of No Objection issued by the AIVD is mandatory, requiring security screening. Applications must be submitted in Dutch.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Legal
• Industries: Research Services

Note: This description retains the core responsibilities and qualifications from the original posting while removing extraneous boilerplate and repeated blocks.