Internship | Life Cycle Analysis on the Production of Bio-Based Molecules

The chemical industry produces more than 250 billion tonnes of materials annually. These products form the foundation of our modern economy, with chemicals influencing nearly every product we use today. At present, most chemicals are derived from fossil resources, leading to substantial greenhouse gas emissions. This situation conflicts with global efforts to mitigate climate change and meet international climate targets, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. In addition, recent geopolitical developments have highlighted vulnerabilities in the security of chemical supply chains. At the same time, consumers and brand owners are increasingly demanding more sustainable products, with a strong focus on reducing CO₂ footprints. Biobased chemicals offer a promising pathway to address these challenges. By using locally produced, non-food-competing residual biomass as feedstock instead of petrochemicals, biobased production can significantly improve carbon footprints while reducing geopolitical dependencies. In this context, TNO has developed platform technologies that enable the efficient conversion of non-edible hemicelluloses into a range of high-value biobased chemical products for diverse end-use applications.

In this project, you will perform a life cycle analysis (LCA) of processes that convert biomass or biorefinery residue streams into high-value, commercially viable biobased chemicals. Your work will include an extensive literature review, a detailed assessment of relevant technologies and conversion routes, and a critical evaluation of their environmental impacts.

You will systematically identify the strengths and limitations of each approach, as well as potential risks and outstanding knowledge gaps. The project will culminate in a comparative assessment of the environmental performance of biobased chemical production versus current fossil-based industry benchmarks.

Throughout the project, you will collaborate closely with experienced chemists and engineers from TNO, as well as with partners from the Biorizon team (www.biorizon.eu) and the Voltachem team (www.voltachem.com), ensuring a high-quality and impactful outcome.

We expect that you will:

• Be driven to contribute to the realization of a greener chemical industry.
• Be enthusiastic and eager to learn.
• Have an affinity for chemical processes and engineering concepts.
• Have a structured approach to your work, and show a great deal of autonomy.
• Have a flexible approach to working days/hours.
• Be comfortable communicating in English.

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.