Internship | Agentic AI for LCA/MFA models of CRM value chains

Are you passionate about shaping a sustainability? Join us in Circularity and Sustainability Impact (CSI) research group where your work will directly contribute to solving the solving sustinability issuses across industries. As part of our mission to transition from a fossil-based linear economy to a circular one, you’ll help assess and optimize the use of critical raw materials (CRMs) and biomass for innovative technologies like solar panels, batteries, and electrolyzers. Your internship will support innovations in strategic intelligence, scenario discovery, and decision support tools that guide EU industry toward a resilient and sustainable future.

As an intern, you will support the development and integration of strategic intelligence tools for CRM value chains. Your responsibilities will include assisting with dynamic material flow analysis (MFA), prospective life cycle assessments (pLCA), and scenario discovery for future resource use. You’ll contribute to decision support systems that help stakeholders evaluate environmental, economical and societal risks in supply chains. Your work will be embedded in the broader knowledge development project.

You will join a multidisciplinary team within the Energy and Materials Transition (EMT) unit, specifically the Circularity & Sustainability Impact (CSI) research group. The team includes experts in circular economy, integrated assessment methods, and sustainability transitions. You’ll collaborate closely with scientists, project managers, and data analysts, including regular coordination with emphasis on agile project management and value delivery.

We’re looking for a motivated and curious candidate who thrives in collaborative environments. You should be able to work independently, communicate clearly, and adapt to evolving project needs. A proactive attitude and willingness to engage with diverse stakeholders are key.

Hard Skills:

• MSc student in Environmental Science, Industrial Ecology, Sustainability, or related field.
• Experience with material flow analysis (MFA) and prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA).
• Familiarity with circular economy concepts and CRM policy frameworks.
• Knowledge of scenario modeling or decision support systems.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, Excel).

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.