Internship | Electrically driven separation process for Sustainable Technologies for Industrial Processes (STIP)

This internship will be carried out within the Sustainable Technologies for Industrial Processes (STIP) group of TNO, which is actively involved in projects focusing on transition towards a low-carbon future by industrial innovation. This internship aims to develop electrically driven separation technologies for the recovery of valuable resources.

The chemical industry is undergoing a significant shift towards sustainable processes aimed at reducing energy demand and enhancing process efficiency. In this context, electrically driven separation techniques are emerging as a focal point compared to conventional methods such as thermal and pressure-driven processes, primarily because they eliminate the need for heating or high pumping costs. Also, these techniques offer targeted ion separation, resulting in higher selectivity and reduced energy consumption, with the potential for integration with renewable energy sources.

While membrane-based technologies are widely recognized as preferred separation methods, electro-separation techniques have yet to gain widespread adoption in the process industry. The increasing demand for low carbon footprint chemicals, turning towards renewable energy sourced processes, presents an opportunity for industrial electrification. Electro-separation technologies offer additional advantages such as flexibility in modular designs and scalability, catering to specific component separation requirements. Hence, electro separation techniques offers varied opportunities to be explored further for adapting into the current industries for making it more sustainable.

During the period of the internship you will have the opportunity of working in a team of experienced scientists, researchers and engineers within TNo with numerous possibilities of learning and growing . Your primary role will involve contributing to the identification of the most promising electro-separation technology/application combinations through the execution of proof-of-principle tests on selected cases. Working closely with your supervisor, you will develop an experimental plan, conduct laboratory-scale tests on chosen cases, and critically analyse the results obtained. In addition to engaging in proof-of-principle and process development activities, you will gain proficiency in utilising chemical and electro analytical techniques like chronoamperometry, ICP, HPLC, SEM-EDS etc.

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.

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.