Internship | Advancing Satellite Techniques for Emission Plume Detection

Do you want to help advance the future of space-based air-quality monitoring? At TNO, we develop innovative Earth-observation methods that enable new ways to detect and quantify atmospheric pollutants from space. Building on our recent research into satellite-based detection of local emission features, this project examines how observations can capture small-scale patterns and transient plume behavior. You will contribute to the scientific foundations needed for future mission concepts and atmospheric applications. Join our team and help shape the next generation of satellite capabilities for air-quality research.

As an intern, you will analyze and test satellite-based methods for detecting and characterizing atmospheric emission plumes at high spatial resolutions. You will evaluate different observational strategies, and combined with radiative transfer modelling, investigate the sensitivity of satellite instruments to fine-scale emission plumes, and assess how these approaches can support future air-quality monitoring from space. Your work will contribute directly to questions at the interface of retrieval science, instrument concept development, and atmospheric applications.

You will join a collaborative, forward-thinking, and highly specialized research team within TNO’s Air Quality & Emissions Research (AER) department in Utrecht, where technical rigor and an open, supportive environment go hand in hand.

The ideal candidate has a background in Atmospheric Physics or Earth Sciences. Strong proficiency in Python is essential, and the ability to work with large (satellite) datasets would be highly valuable. Familiarity with the fundamentals of atmospheric physics and Earth observation is considered a significant advantage. This internship can be carried out as part of a Master’s thesis project.

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.