Internship | Machine learning for quantum sensing application

Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond are powerful quantum sensors with applications ranging from magnetic field detection, electrical property characterization, thermometry, navigation etc. A key measurement technique in NV-based sensing is optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), which requires precise and efficient data acquisition and analysis. Traditional approaches to extracting information(center frequency, linewidth etc.) from ODMR signals can be non-robust and sensitive to noise, which affects the data quality. This project focuses on leveraging machine learning (ML) to enhance ODMR measurements. By refining an existing ML model and building upon it, we aim to improve accuracy, speed, and robustness in quantum sensing workflows.

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 an intern, you will:

• Understand and build upon an existing ML model designed for ODMR measurements.
• Define benchmarking metrics to compare ML-based approaches against traditional methods.
• Improve the current ML architecture to achieve better accuracy and prediction quality.
• Identify bottlenecks in the existing ML architecture and propose innovative solutions to overcome them.
• Collaborate with researchers to integrate your improvements into real-world NV-based sensing experiments.

We are looking for motivated students who:

• Are pursuing a master’s degree in data science and artificial intelligence, computer science, applied physics or a related field.
• Have a strong foundation in machine learning and experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Are 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.