Internship | Monitoring Grassland Nitrogen Concentration Using Satellite Remote Sensing

In the Netherlands, the nitrogen crisis, also simply known as the stikstofcrisis, has attracted large public attention and debate. Agriculture on crops and grasslands contributes significantly to the increase in the nitrogen pollutant ammonia. Grassland nitrogen concentration (N%) is a crucial factor in the bidirectional biosphere-atmosphere interactions of ammonia (NH3). It helps to interpret NH3 fluxes in relation to atmospheric conditions, grassland management, and soil chemistry.

The goal of the assignment is to retrieve grassland nitrogen concentration by simulating top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance observed by Landsat 7, Landsat 8, and Sentinel-2. The method to simulate TOA combines a soil–plant–atmosphere radiative transfer model (RTM) with the bottom-of-atmosphere bidirectional reflectance distribution function. A hybrid model will be created to numerically optimize the inverted RTM biochemical and biophysical variables to estimate N%. The student will deliver a Python tool that realizes this hybrid model (with documentation) and also create the spatial distribution of grassland nitrogen concentration for the Netherlands.
The student will spend 6 - 8 months at the Department of Air Quality and Emissions Research (AER) which has the expertise in translating knowledge of emissions and air quality into solutions to environmental issues by modeling atmospheric processes.

You are a proactive and independent master's student with a background in one of the following areas: Atmospheric Science, Geoscience, Remote Sensing, GIS, Data Science, and related fields. Knowledge and experience with Python programming is a requirement. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, are expected. The project can be combined with a master's thesis.

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- and hbo-students, 390 euro for 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.

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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.