Internship | High-throughput screening of bio-based polyesters

The demand for renewable and bio-based polymer materials is increasing, and in order to address this need, rapid development cycles are required. Bio-based polyester have an incredibly large and diverse design space, which necessitates high-throughput synthesis and characterisation techniques to enable the rapid development of novel materials with targeted properties. At TNO, a novel high-throughput reactor is currently being utilised to support the development of an AI model that enables polymer design via machine learning. This approach allows for rapid, targeted development of bio-based polymer materials.

In this project, the synthesis of a wide range of bio-based polyesters will be carried out using a high-throughput reactor. The intern will investigate the influence of reactor conditions and feedstock ratios on the final polymer properties. This is critical for ensuring high-quality polymer and for providing reliable training data to the AI model.
During the project, the available bio-based polyester design space will be explored, potentially including complex random co-polymers. Characterization of the synthesised materials will be performed, including NMR, DSC, TGA, and nanoindentation.

Main focus:

• High-throughput synthesis of bio-based polyesters.
  • Influence of reactor conditions and feedstock ratio.
  • Random co-polymer synthesis.
• Characterisation of synthesised polymers.
  • Molecular weight determination via NMR.
  • Thermal property characterisation via DSC and TGA.
  • Mechanical property characterisation via nanoindentation.

You will work in a passionate team of scientists at TNO, utilising your skills in synthesis and characterisation to contribute to ongoing research. The aim of this internship is to provide students with a taste of research outside academia.

Candidates should be currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related field. Knowledge in materials and polymers is crucial. Familiarity with the laboratory work is an advantage. Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as an attention to detail, are required.

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, equity 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.