Internship | MSc graduation project - Machine learning for quantum sensing application

Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are among the most promising platforms for quantum sensing, enabling measurements of magnetic fields, temperature, and other physical quantities at the micro and nanoscale. Despite their potential, NV-based sensing faces significant challenges when it comes to speed and scalability. Conventional measurement protocols such as optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), Rabi oscillation measurements, and relaxation experiments are inherently slow because they require longer integration time to overcome noise and achieve high precision. Attempts to accelerate these measurements often lead to trade-offs between sensitivity, bandwidth, and reliability. These limitations hinder the deployment of NV sensing in real-world applications where rapid and accurate data acquisition is critical. This project aims to address these bottlenecks by leveraging advanced machine learning (ML) techniques to extract accurate information from fast, noisy measurements. The student will develop or refine ML models capable of denoising and parameter estimation, while exploring physics-informed approaches to bridge the gap between simulated and experimental data. By combining domain knowledge with modern ML architectures, the goal is to significantly reduce measurement times without compromising accuracy or precision. Success in this project will accelerate the adoption of these techniques in industry, enabling faster and more reliable quantum sensing solutions for real-world applications.

You will be working together with a team of scientists and engineers in the Quantum Sensing team within the High-Tech Industry unit at TNO-Stieltjesweg, as well as with the TU Delft research groups of Toeno van der Sar and Eliška Greplová.
During your graduation thesis project, you will:

• Develop or extend ML models for various NV measurement types (ODMR, Rabi, relaxation, etc.).
• Explore physics-informed ML approaches to bridge the sim-to-real gap.
• Investigate denoising techniques (Noise2noise, Noise2void etc.) and hybrid ML strategies for robust signal extraction.
• Come up with new ML techniques/architecture for accurate parameter estimation/signal extraction.
• Implement ML models for magnetic field reconstruction.
• Validate models on experimental or simulated NV sensing data.
• Contribute to methods that enable fast, high-fidelity quantum sensing.

We are looking for a motivated student who:

• Is pursuing a master’s degree in data science and artificial intelligence, computer science, applied physics or a related field.
• Has a strong foundation in machine learning and experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Is familiar with python programming and data analysis techniques.
• Possess good problem-solving skills and can work independently as well as in a team.
• Have an interest in quantum technologies and a willingness to learn about NV-based sensing (Familiarity with quantum sensing concepts is a plus, but not mandatory).

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.