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Internship | Production of Bio-Based Molecules

Location

Bergen op Zoom

Education type

higher professional education (hbo)

Type

Internship and graduation project

Hours a week

Fulltime – 40

Interested?

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The Biorizon program is a shared research initiative located at the Green Chemistry Campus in Bergen op Zoom. The program mission is to enable commercial production of renewable bio-aromatics from 2nd generation residue streams by 2025. Why? Aromatic molecules are key components of a plethora of products that bring properties such as dimensional stability, hardness, conductivity, and chemical stability, amongst others, in plastics, coatings, textiles and many other applications. The added value of these molecules means that they constitute more than 40% of the chemicals market, with a growing consumption worldwide. Furthermore, the security of feedstock supply is a forefront issue, more traditionally this has been due to the shale gas developments and oil price fluctuations, caused by many different factors. This issue has been acutely exposed by the recent COVID-19 situation which highlighted the effects of transport restrictions on feedstocks. Using locally produced, non-food competitive residues as feedstocks would help to reduce these dependencies. Finally, there is a growing demand for sustainability from consumers and brand owners alike, expressed in the use of renewable feedstocks and the reduction of CO2-footprint. As such, there is an increasing need for renewable, CO2-neutral, non-fossil-based source of aromatics. To this end, TNO have developed Diels-Alder based platform technologies to efficiently convert hemicelluloses to a range of interesting bio-aromatics and bio-pseudo-aromatic products. A key aspect of achieving commercial production of renewable bio-aromatics by 2025 is the transfer of lab-scale batch processes to industrially relevant scaleable continuous processes which will be required to produce the thousands to millions of tons that are required by the chemical industry at prices that can be cost-competitive with fossil-based feedstocks.

What will be your role?

Within this project, you will investigate the aromatization of bio-based Diels-Alder adducts to achieve highly selective production of the corresponding bio-aromatic. This will involve the screening of catalysts and conditions to determine which options are most promising, as well as testing the scope of the developed conditions with structurally related Diels-Alder adducts (where relevant). When suitable conditions have been identified, you will transfer this process to a bench-scale (100-5000 ml/hour) continuous set-up to further validate the process, more accurately test the various reaction parameters, and probe the chemical space. Where necessary, you will apply theoretical modelling approaches followed by experimental validation. A key aspect of the developments will be the interpretation of results. To do this, you will make use of various analytical techniques, such as NMR, GC(MS), HPLC(MS), etc., to quantify conversions, identify intermediates and by-products, and better understand the conversion(s) taking place. Throughout the work, you will work together with experienced TNO chemists and engineers to propose solutions to further improve the process(es).

How do you want to contribute to tomorrow's world? How big can your impact be? Come and work at TNO and envision it.

What we expect from you

We expect that you will:
  • be driven to contribute to the realization of a greener chemical industry.
  • be enthusiastic and eager to learn about organic chemistry.
  • have an affinity for basic engineering (e.g. simple repairs of machinery).
  • have an understanding of commonly used analytical techniques and interpretation of their outputs.
  • be interested in optimizing reactions for yield and selectivity.
  • be able to have a structured approach to your work, and to show a great deal of autonomy in your work.
  • be acutely aware of safety considerations with regards to working with chemicals and reactors.
  • have a flexible approach to working days/hours.
  • be comfortable communicating in English.

What you’ll get in return

You want to work on the precursor of your career; a work placement 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. Naturally, we provide suitable work placement compensation.

TNO as an employer

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.

The selection process

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.

Has this job opening sparked your interest?

Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button.

Contact: Marc Crockatt
Phone number: +31 (0)6-46847402

Note that applications via email and third party applications are not taken into consideration.

Interested?

Apply now

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