Internship | Application of computational mass spectrometry and cheminformatics to unravel particulate matter

Particulate matter (PM, Dutch: fijnstof) is the major component of air pollution. These particulates are categorized by size (µm) and exposure limits of different sizes are set by governments and directed by the World Health Organization. These exposure limits are routinely exceeded, as measured by PM measurement networks and visualized by real time maps. Exposure to PM pollution has been shown to have a sizable economic impact and costs the Netherlands between 10 and 15 billion euros per year. PM is an umbrella term for solid or liquid particles suspended in the air. These can be of various origins, morphologies and chemical compositions. Although the governmental exposure limits are mass-based, it is clear that not all PM will have the same toxicological effect. A NaCl crystal from the sea will not have the same effect as soot from a diesel engine.

It is this chemical composition that is assumed to determine the varying health effect of PM. To be able to comprehensively characterize the composition of PM, high resolution mass spectrometry based nontarget screening (NTS) can be employed. NTS generates massive amounts of data that rely on advanced data analyses and cheminformatics approaches to yield meaningful information. Chemical data needs to be combined with toxicity data to evaluate the health relevance of PM.
You will develop computational mass spectrometry methods to get the most out of the NTS data and ultimately characterize the components of PM.

Our ideal candidate is a master student with a chemistry, computational, environmental science or closely related background, with a multidisciplinary and scientific interest.
The internship start date will be determined in consultation with the candidate.
The internship has a duration of 8 months.

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. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative working environment, with top experts as colleagues.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo- and hbo-students, 390 euro for mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Eight hours of leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet TNO-colleagues 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 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.