Internship | Microplastics Formation and Detection in Reusable Plastics

At TNO, we work on the most impactful topics of our time. One of those is understanding and preventing microplastics. Microplastics can be formed and released during the use of plastic products such as reusable cups and synthetic textiles. The selected use-cases will be products that carry a high risk of human exposure to microplastics. The project will result in a better understanding of the human exposure through use of plastic products and the effect of product reuse on this exposure.

Your task will be to develop reproducible and realistic procedures for the simulation of plastic materials in use and to analyse the microplastics that are formed this way. Characterizing microplastics is a unique challenge that requires strong experimental design coupled with advanced detection techniques such as FTIR, TED-GCMS and/or SEM.

You will work together with TNO departments EMSA (Environmental Modelling, Sensing & Analysis) in Utrecht, and MaS (Materials Solutions) in Eindhoven. In Utrecht, you will perform the experiments and have access to relevant characterization techniques (SLS, GCMS, FTIR, SEM) and in Eindhoven you will have access to characterization techniques for the mechanical properties of (micro)plastics.

Environmental modelling, sensing and analysis
Materials solutions

• Our ideal candidate is a master student who has an affinity with microplastics with a background in chemistry/chemical engineering, material science, environmental science, or closely related backgrounds and the student must possess prior knowledge and experience in working in a chemical lab and planning/performing experiments.
• The student is willing to work in Utrecht and Eindhoven.
• The internship start date will be determined in consultation with the candidate (preferably January-March 2026).
• The internship has a minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum duration of 9 months.

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.