Internship | Quantifying desert dust impact on European air quality exceedances

Air quality, and particulate matter in particular, is a major health concern. However, air quality in Europe is always a complex mixture of anthropogenic emissions and natural sources. Dust as a natural source of air pollutants often affects air quality, visibility and even climate. Therefore, there is a growing interest among EU Member States and air quality policy makers to quantify the natural aerosol contribution to regional air quality. Moreover, within the European air quality regulations there is the possibility to subtract the natural dust contributions from PM exceedances of limit values. This requires the availability of a qualitative and quantitative estimate of the natural dust contributions at observation sites.

The project aims to develop a computationally efficient tool using observational data in combination with an ensemble numerical model product to quantify the daily and annual dust contribution to air quality in European cities and observation sites. The research phase includes literature review and analysis of model and ground-based air quality station data. This will be followed by development, implementation and validation of a tool together as a team to determine annual average dust impact over Europe and number of natural dust-influenced air quality exceedance days.

It can be a master thesis or an internship. We are looking for students who are good with programming, interested in research, and a team player. Applicants familiar with statistical analysis using geostatistical modelling will have an advantage. Applicants should be familiar with either Python, R, or Fortran.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.