Interim Project Manager

CLS Services; Eindhoven; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research) seeks an Interim Project Manager for the SDL4EC Self-Driving Laboratory initiative in Eindhoven. You will align hardware and software teams, define milestones, and manage resources to maintain momentum under the project’s multidisciplinary environment.

You will coordinate with DIFFERS management structures and external partners, reporting to the Steering Group.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (HBO or higher) required.
• Experience in hybrid project management.
• Experience in R&D or research institutes preferred.
• Ability to coordinate hardware and software teams.
• Strong Dutch and English communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Analyse current SDL4EC status and develop a revised integrated project plan.
• Set goals, deadlines and resource frameworks; ensure cross-team collaboration.
• Manage resources and report progress to Steering Group and DIFFER Management.

Skills

Project management

R&D experience

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Dutch language

English language

Education

Bachelor's degree (HBO or higher)

Tools

Instrumentation knowledge

Job description

Interim Project Manager

Vacancy number: A-2-2600074

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research - Eindhoven (Nederland)

For our client, Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research, we are looking for an Interim Project Manager.

Keywords

• Interim Project Manager
• Self-Driving Laboratory
• Electrochemistry
• R&D Project Management
• Hardware-Software Integration

Profile

DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research), located on the TU/e Science Park in Eindhoven, is building a Self-Driving Laboratory for Electrochemistry (SDL4EC). This integrated platform combines high-throughput materials generation, rapid characterization, performance screening, traceable data infrastructure, and AI-guided experimental planning. Hardware has been purchased and installed, and software development is underway. The next critical step is integrating both into one operational platform.

Your Main Responsibilities Include

• Analysing the current status of the SDL4EC project, developing a revised integrated project plan, and reactivating the project team.
• Setting clear goals, deadlines, and resource frameworks, ensuring effective collaboration between the hardware and software teams.
• Managing human and financial resources for SDL4EC and providing progress reports to the Steering Group, DIFFER Management Team, and NWO, while ensuring continued momentum on the LiMeS lab project.

Who we're looking for

You are an experienced interim project manager with a bachelor's degree (HBO or higher) and a background in hybrid project management. You bring a fresh perspective, are not easily deterred, and are comfortable initiating change within complex, multidisciplinary environments. Experience in R&D or research institutes is an advantage, as is familiarity with hardware/software product development or instrumentation.

You are a strong communicator in both Dutch and English, with the interpersonal skills to bridge the gap between hardware and software teams. You build effective working relationships quickly and operate with a proactive, structured approach. Physical presence at DIFFER's Eindhoven campus is required 80% of the time.

Department

The SDL4EC project sits within the Facilities & Instrumentation department, led by dr. Hans van Eck. Two specialized teams are active within the project: a physical team responsible for hardware development and a digital team focused on software. The interim Project Manager works across both teams to drive integration and deliver a fully operational platform.

Company profile

DIFFER (Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research) performs leading fundamental research on materials, processes, and systems for a global sustainable energy infrastructure. As an institute of the Dutch Research Council (NWO), DIFFER plays a key role in the energy transition. Working in close partnership with international academia and industry, the institute focuses on two key areas: solar fuels for the conversion and storage of renewable energy, and nuclear fusion as a clean energy source. DIFFER's user facilities are open to both university and industry researchers.

Additional vacancy information

Reference:A-2-2600074 Contract:Projectmatig dienstverband Education:PhD. Arbeidsvoorwaarden :

Salary

Days of leave: 25

See

Publication date:29-10-2026Location:Contactperson:Helen Jong+31 (0)6 199 472 73