About the site
The Joint Research Centre in Petten is a leading research site situated in the heart of the Netherlands, just 1 km from the Dutch coast. The site brings together multi-disciplinary expertise in science and research to address Europe’s most pressing challenges. Cutting-edge development and research efforts focus on sustainable energy solutions, nuclear safety, mobility, and climate, to significantly influence EU policymaking and enhance the well-being of everyone in Europe.
The JRC in Petten counts around 230 JRC staff with expertise in both nuclear and non-nuclear domains. Their work is carried out in the Energy and Health Campus, a state-of-the-art research infrastructure immersed in a nature reserve.
Laboratories and research
Scientists in JRC Petten work in highly equipped laboratories to perform testing, analysis, and simulations. They focus on developing efficient energy technologies to reduce CO2 emissions and test the safety of nuclear materials.
The site’s research also focuses on developing more efficient technologies for our daily lives, for example by improving battery performance or improving the efficiency of energy distribution to households.
Battery testing laboratoryIn this lab, we test the performance and safety of batteries products to ensure they are efficient, affordable, and sustainable.
Fuel cells and electrolyser testing facilitiesHere we assess the performance, durability and safety of water electrolysers, which play a crucial role in producing renewable hydrogen.
Smart grid interoperability laboratoriesHere we work to digitalise the distribution of energy to our homes, so that all the devices and appliances we use every day will be efficiently connected.
High pressure gas testing facilityIn this lab, we evaluate and test hydrogen as one of the most promising alternatives to decarbonise our economy, by testing high pressure hydrogen pipelines and components.
Environmental and mechanical materials assessment facilitiesIn this lab, we test the safety of nuclear components and the performance of the materials they are made of.
Working at JRC Petten
Working at the JRC in Petten means joining a diverse and enriching environment where you can advance your career while participating in innovative research projects. The site is a vibrant and dynamic location offering a fulfilling job in a stimulating setting. And there’s more:
Collaboration and networking opportunities: The Energy and Health Campus is a world-class research structure hosting 3 other companies in the field of energy and health, which provides opportunities for collaboration and professional networking.
Sport, outdoor, and social activities: The site hosts several social clubs, where staff can play sports and board games and join social events. The surroundings also feature hiking and cycling routes, forests, and vibrant cultural destinations.
A supportive environment: the JRC in Petten offers flexibility and support for staff and their families with great work-life balance, childcare, and schooling. The European School offers multi-lingual education by native speakers in a wide range of European languages.
The JRC in Petten offers opportunities to scientific, technical, administrative and support staff that are regularly published in the vacancies section of the JRC job portal.
About Petten
Petten is a small village on the Dutch coast, immersed in a calm and relaxing environment. The surrounding area offers a typical picture of the North Holland’s landscape, with forests, polders, tulip fields and traditional windmills.
The largest town in the area is Alkmaar, 20 km south of Petten. Other nearby towns are Bergen, Schoorl and Den Helder, while bustling Amsterdam is just a 1-hour drive from Petten and is reachable by train from Alkmaar.
The site is situated in the research park just north of Petten and has its own separate entrance.
From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you can take a train to Amsterdam Central Station and get off at Amsterdam Sloterdijk. There, take a train to Alkmaar. At Alkmaar station, take a public bus or taxi that will drive you to the site in around 20 minutes.
For certain meetings and events, JRC will also offer pre-booked transport. JRC staff can use a shuttle bus service from Amsterdam and Alkmaar to the site in Petten.