Operational Compliance Coordinator – TU/e EU Action Plan

Introduction

Research Support Office

The Research Support Office (RSO) consists of a close-knit team of professionals who support the academic staff in both pre- and post-award phases of European, national, and regional research & innovation grants. The RSO team includes research funding advisors / program experts, program managers, project leaders, and a team of legal experts.

Research Support Network

The TU/e Research Support Network (RSN) is a comprehensive knowledge network on campus that supports researchers throughout all phases of their research & innovation projects. The RSN is organized into two tiers: the first tier consists of Departmental Project Development Offices (PDOs) who provide day-to-day support close to the researcher and Institute Program Managers (IPMs) who support researchers from a thematic/strategic point of view. The second tier, that includes the RSO, consists of experts at central services who offer specialized support to both the first tier support and to researchers directly.

TU/e EU Action Plan

On the request of the Executive Board and as a deliverable of the TU/e 2030 Strategy, a new EU-strategy has been developed by a campus-wide working group, in cocreation with stakeholders at TU/e: the TU/e EU Action Plan.

Goal of the plan is to improve the way TU/e is engaging in EU-research & innovation programmes (e.g. Horizon Europe, European Defence Fund, Digital Europe) and to have an integral and coherent approach in which we closely cooperate on campus and where we learn and grow further together. In doing so, we will be compliant with all existing and new EC-regulations and requirements. 

The EU Action Plan, which has broad support on all levels within TU/e, is a dedicated and balanced improvement program in which needed new instruments (like info sessions, trainings, workshops, etc.) are being developed and implemented. The overall aim is that TU/e and its researchers and support staff will have a high return on effort and optimal visibility, participation and impact in EU R&I programmes.

To this end, amongst others, staff in four central services is being extended, including in the current grant support team of the RSO. The combined new staff is forming an inter-disciplinary cross-service EU Action Plan core team; this team closely collaborates with other staff in central services and with first tier support staff in the Departments & Institutes in various sub-projects towards achieving the goals of the EU Action Plan.

Job Description

At TU/e, there is a growing need to harmonize and standardize operations, with increasing requirements for compliance with guidelines related to European funding. Establishing clear harmonized frameworks and procedures for operations enables TU/e to create a high-quality environment within our budgetary limits.

With the aim to further develop our core team, we are seeking an enthusiastic colleague to contribute to the successful execution of TU/e’s EU Action Plan. As Operational Compliance Coordinator you will provide academic staff and 1st tier support staff with compliance-related information and support for European collaborative grants (such as Horizon Europe  European Defence Fund, Digital Europe). You will stimulate a culture of compliance on campus, and coordinate within the RSN when it comes to operational compliance of TU/e. You will work closely together with compliance policy officers at the General Affairs department (especially the Knowledge security team), but focus on the operational side yourself, towards “security by design”, in close collaboration with the decentral (knowledge security) compliance coordinators in the Departments. You will help setting up and running info sessions and a structured training programme for researchers, as well as a training programme for 1st tier support staff (train the trainer). Importantly, you will also help in the development of improved procedures, online tools, templates, etc. to be developed in the context of the EU Action Plan.

Important specific compliancy domains are, amongst others:

• Knowledge safety
• Privacy & (cyber-)security
• Dual use
• Export controls (a.o. EU sanctions)
• Use of AI
• Responsible collaboration in general
• Other EU-compliancy aspects

You will be hierarchically positioned in the grant support team of the Research Support Office, but content-wise in day-to-day operations be part of the interdisciplinary EU Action Plan programme-team. This role offers a high degree of diversity and autonomy within the team and the university.

Tasks
Specific tasks include:

• Inform the TU/e community of longer-term and strategic developments with respect to compliance issues in EU-programmes, and what it means for TU/e (researchers).
• Provide 2nd line support to departments and institutes: answer questions, provide information, etc.
• Provide support in the proposal writing process and review draft proposals at TU/e with respect to compliancy-aspects mentioned above (“security by design”).
• Provide compliance-advice in the project execution phase of EU-projects at TU/e. Flag any potential compliancy issues (and in case needed escalate).
• Liaise with the National helpdesk on Knowledge Security / relevant National Contact Points.
• Develop a proposal for (adaptation of) internal processes at TU/e so that necessary compliance checks are done for all our EU-proposals and projects.
• In case relevant, help develop interactive online tool(s) for researchers.
• Develop and provide (together with central compliance policy officers and decentral KS-coordinators) structured training for researchers and support staff (train the trainer)
• Collaborate with colleagues in the TU/e Research Support Network and Research Support Office, colleagues from other central services and stakeholders on campus (e.g. department- and institute directors).
• Help in providing high quality management information. 

Job Requirements

For this role, we are looking for a colleague who:

• Has knowledge of and experience with EU R&I programmes (notably Horizon, Digital Europe, EDF).
• Has a background and experience in at least one of the compliance aspects mentioned above.
• Possesses an academic level of thinking and working.
• Is skilled in communication and proficient in conveying and sharing knowledge. Has experience in delivering presentations/workshops.
• Has strong written and verbal proficiency in English. Proficiency in Dutch is an advantage.
• Can motivate professionals and coordinate their activities.
• Is proactive, customer-oriented, analytical, results-driven.
• Works independently and flexibly. Is a team player who collaborates effectively with colleagues both within and outside the EU Action Plan team.

Conditions of Employment

An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities. We also offer you:

• A monthly salary of minimum € 4,728 to maximum € 6,433 gross for full-time employment, depending on your knowledge and experience (scale 11 Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities). (If you are very experienced you will receive more responsibilities in a higher salary scale 12 (€ 5,705 - € 7,297).
• In addition to vacation pay, a structural end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.
• A generous employer contribution to the favorable ABP pension plan.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: Wilfried Reincke, Programme leader of the EU Action Plan, [email protected]. 

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR Services on 040 – 247 4486, e-mail: [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications by Wednesday 2 September 2026 at the latest. First round of interviews are foreseen to be held on Tuesday 15 and Thursday 17 September. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note 

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team ([email protected]) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.