Internship | Wearable ultrasound application developer

Ultrasound is traditionally used as a handheld imaging tool operated by clinicians, but many important healthcare applications do not require full imaging. Instead, they benefit from continuous sensing, long-term monitoring, and integration into wearable systems. At Holst Centre / TNO in Eindhoven, we are developing a modular, lightweight wearable ultrasound platform that can connect to various transducers and operate outside conventional clinical settings. This technology enables new possibilities such as lung, bladder, muscle, and motion monitoring during daily activities. We are seeking an intern to help translate this platform into a concrete, validated wearable ultrasound sensing application through experimental design, signal processing, and system integration.

During this internship, the student will work on turning a wearable ultrasound research platform into a concrete sensing application. First, the student will become familiar with the ultrasound hardware, transducers, and data acquisition system. Together with the supervisors, the student will select a specific application such as muscle, lung, bladder, or motion monitoring.

The student will then design the wearable measurement setup, including probe placement, coupling, and repeatability. They will develop signal processing methods to extract meaningful features from the ultrasound data and make the measurements robust to motion and real-world use. Finally, the student will perform experiments on phantoms, evaluate performance, and demonstrate a working wearable ultrasound sensing prototype.

We are looking for a motivated, hands-on student with an interest in biomedical sensing and experimental work. You have a background in Biomedical or Electrical Engineering. Experience with programming and signal processing using Matlab and python is necessary. Affinity with ultrasound or measurement systems is a plus. Most importantly, you are curious, proactive, and eager to turn research into a practical wearable application.

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.