Climate change and air quality challenges demand robust science and strong coordination. As a scientific project manager at KNMI (Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute), you ensure that leading atmospheric composition research turns into real-world impact. Ready to help drive cutting-edge climate science forward at an international level?
How you make an impact
As scientific project manager, you work at the heart of KNMI’s atmospheric composition and climate research. You are part of a dynamic, ambitious group of scientists studying air quality, climate change, and atmospheric processes using state-of-the-art models, in-situ measurements, and satellite observations.
KNMI leads several European satellite and research consortia, and you play a crucial role in keeping these complex projects on track. You oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of scientific projects from proposal to delivery. This includes managing timelines, budgets, risks, and deliverables, while ensuring alignment with scientific goals and funder requirements.
You act as the central link between scientists, international research partners, and funding bodies. By facilitating clear communication and collaboration, you help translate scientific ambitions into structured project plans and tangible results. You maintain clear and accurate documentation, prepare progress reports, and support decision-making by senior management.
A project you can work on is TROPOMI. KNMI leads the scientific group of 10 European partners. Together, they are responsible for the data quality of the TROPOMI satellite instrument.
Beyond day-to-day coordination, you actively look for ways to improve project and service management processes. Your work enables scientists to focus on what they do best: delivering high-quality research that informs policy, supports society, and advances our understanding of the Earth’s atmosphere.
Your team
The department R&D Satellite Observations consists of approximately 55 persons, predominantly scientific staff at MSc/PhD level. The cluster that you will work in has about 15 team members. People working full are expected to work in the office more than three days per week. RDSW breaths a positive atmosphere. Colleagues like to have a cup of coffee together and are very approachable. The mix of men and women of different ages and with diverse backgrounds also contributes to a pleasant working atmosphere within the department.
Interested in learning more?
We understand that you might want to learn more about this position. Feel free to contact dr. Pepijn Veefkind, via e-mail: [email protected]. He is happy to assist you!
Scientific project manager
Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut
Kenmerk: 4977,
Plaatsingsdatum: 11 februari 2026
Dit ga je doen
Dit krijg je
Dit bieden we nog meer
At our organization, you’ll work on meaningful projects that make a real impact in the Netherlands. In a workplace that values your professional growth and recognizes your contributions. Our benefits reflect that commitment.
Core benefits that provide security:
Core benefits that provide security:
- 144 hours of annual leave per year (based on a 36-hour work week)
- Full public transport reimbursement or a mileage allowance of € 0,07 or € 0,21 per km (conditions apply)
- Mobile phone and laptop
- € 750 budget for setting up your home workspace, plus a daily homeworking allowance of € 2,40
- Pension scheme through ABP
- Hybrid working options tailored to your role, in consultation with your manager
- Personal development opportunities, training and career coaching
- Individual Choice Budget (IKB): use this budget (the amount is 16.5% of your salary) for options such as repaying student loans, purchasing a (electric) bike with accessories, company fitness, making your home more sustainable, or other tax-friendly purposes
- Flexible leave arrangements, including care leave, parental leave, adoption leave, and foster care leave
- Our program provides support for visas and related matters, and language training (it does not include accommodation)
Dit vragen wij
Knowledge and experience
- An MSc or PhD in atmospheric sciences, physics, environmental sciences, or a related field.
- Experience with project management and documentation in a scientific or research environment.
- Affinity with atmospheric composition, climate research, and/or satellite-based observation projects.
- You bring structure to complex, multidisciplinary projects.
- You communicate clearly and effectively with diverse international stakeholders.
- You balance different interests, build consensus, and motivate teams.
- You enjoy working collaboratively in an international research setting.
- Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required.
- Fluency in Dutch is an advantage.
Hier kom je te werken
Over Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut
Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute
The weather is unpredictable, the ground moves, and the climate is changing. To ensure our safety and prosperity, we need to understand the risks and opportunities this presents and how best to prepare. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) provides that knowledge. As the national center of expertise and data for weather, climate, and seismology, KNMI is reliable, independent, and focused on what the Netherlands needs: a safe society that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate change, and seismic activity.
Driven by our core values - Development, Collaboration, and Relevance - we pursue our ambitions both within and beyond KNMI, nationally and internationally. We continuously develop our knowledge and skills, and work together as one KNMI to make a meaningful difference for society.
Talent as our foundation, diversity as our strength
KNMI is an inclusive organization. One that creates space for everyone and leverages the diversity of its people to achieve better results for the Netherlands. Being inclusive means that everyone feels engaged and valued: not in spite of, but because of our differences.
KNMI is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is committed to a safe, accessible, and liveable Netherlands. It works to ensure strong connections via road, rail, waterways, and air. IenW also protects against flooding, monitors the quality of our air, water, and soil, and contributes to the transition toward a circular economy.
R&D Satellite Observations
The R&D Satellite Observations (RDSW) department contributes to weather and climate research and monitoring of the Earth system by utilizing the observations of satellites as well as surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations. Its main research objectives are climate research, air quality and stratospheric ozone. The satellite activities of the department encompass the entire range from collecting user requirements, developing instrument concepts, generating the required satellite products, to atmospheric research using the satellite data. For more information on the department, please use this link: https://www.knmi.nl/research/satellite-observations.
The weather is unpredictable, the ground moves, and the climate is changing. To ensure our safety and prosperity, we need to understand the risks and opportunities this presents and how best to prepare. The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) provides that knowledge. As the national center of expertise and data for weather, climate, and seismology, KNMI is reliable, independent, and focused on what the Netherlands needs: a safe society that is prepared for the impact of weather, climate change, and seismic activity.
Driven by our core values - Development, Collaboration, and Relevance - we pursue our ambitions both within and beyond KNMI, nationally and internationally. We continuously develop our knowledge and skills, and work together as one KNMI to make a meaningful difference for society.
Talent as our foundation, diversity as our strength
KNMI is an inclusive organization. One that creates space for everyone and leverages the diversity of its people to achieve better results for the Netherlands. Being inclusive means that everyone feels engaged and valued: not in spite of, but because of our differences.
KNMI is part of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW) is committed to a safe, accessible, and liveable Netherlands. It works to ensure strong connections via road, rail, waterways, and air. IenW also protects against flooding, monitors the quality of our air, water, and soil, and contributes to the transition toward a circular economy.
R&D Satellite Observations
The R&D Satellite Observations (RDSW) department contributes to weather and climate research and monitoring of the Earth system by utilizing the observations of satellites as well as surface remote sensing, balloon, and aircraft observations. Its main research objectives are climate research, air quality and stratospheric ozone. The satellite activities of the department encompass the entire range from collecting user requirements, developing instrument concepts, generating the required satellite products, to atmospheric research using the satellite data. For more information on the department, please use this link: https://www.knmi.nl/research/satellite-observations.
Bijzonderheden
Location and working arrangements
Your official workplace is De Bilt. At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), we actively encourage hybrid working. In consultation with your manager and colleagues, you can work from home or at the office, depending on the nature of your role.
Additional information
If you have questions about the application process, feel free to contact our recruitment advisor or visit our website for more information.
We do not respond to acquisition in response to this vacancy.
Your official workplace is De Bilt. At the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI), we actively encourage hybrid working. In consultation with your manager and colleagues, you can work from home or at the office, depending on the nature of your role.
Additional information
- If we receive sufficient suitable applications, the vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline.
- An (online) pre-selection test or assessment may be part of the recruitment process. Completing a case assignment and undergoing (online) screening, such as through databases, may also be included. Reference checks may be conducted as well.
- Start of the role is expected in Q2 2026.
If you have questions about the application process, feel free to contact our recruitment advisor or visit our website for more information.
We do not respond to acquisition in response to this vacancy.
Stel gerust je vraag
Meer informatie over deze vacature
Pepijn Veefkind
+31 6 15829809Meer informatie over de sollicitatieprocedure
Juliette Preusterink
+31 6 50419419Solliciteren
Koninklijk Nederlands Meteorologisch Instituut nodigt je uit op hun site te solliciteren. Via onderstaande knop verlaat je deze site en ga je direct naar het sollicitatieformulier. Het Rijk hecht waarde aan een diverse en inclusieve organisatie. Werken in divers samengestelde teams maakt ons effectiever, innovatiever en het werk leuker. Eenieder wordt daarom uitgenodigd te solliciteren.