Bsc: Chemical Engineering Internship - Training a Chemical Kinetics Model

Job Description

Internship assignment: Training a Chemical Kinetics Model (BSc Chemical Engineering)

Are you a HBO student who is looking for an internship assignment? Are you ready to change our way of working in ink development? We are looking for you!

Your assignment

UV-curable inks have enabled a wide range of high-value applications in the graphic arts industry. Canon has been particularly successful in this field with the development of its UVgel technology, which powers the Colorado printer family.
To drive further innovation, Canon is transitioning from a pragmatic approach to a model-based methodology for ink development. In collaboration with academic partners, we are developing advanced kinetic models that simulate the chemical processes involved in the photopolymerization of UV inks—specifically, the conversion of monomers into polymers.

Photopolymerization in UV inks is initiated by UV light through the action of photoinitiators. Our current chemical kinetics model provides a simplified representation of this process, and we are working to expand it to better capture the behavior of real inks. A key step is improving the photoinitiation mechanism by incorporating a combination of photoinitiators into the model. To achieve this, we need parameters that accurately describe both the reaction kinetics and the underlying chemistry.
This is where you come in. Your role will be to generate high-quality experimental data to train and validate the model against the actual behavior of our inks. Using a design of experiments approach, you will perform a series of precise FTIR measurements with our in-house customized spectroscopy setup.This data is essential for building a predictive tool capable of calculating the kinetics of photopolymerization and forecasting the physical properties of an ink layer based on its formulation. Such a model will enable faster, more efficient development of new ink recipes and curing strategies—pushing the boundaries of UVgel technology.

As an intern, you will play a critical role in this process, gaining hands-on experience in experimental design, data acquisition, and model-driven innovation.
We are seeking a motivated student eager to contribute to this innovative project. If you are passionate about experimental work, excited to tackle real-world challenges, and ready to gain hands-on experience in a cutting-edge research environment, we invite you to join us.

Your profile

• You have a background in chemistry and have affinity with polymers.
• You are experienced with materials characterization techniques, such as FTIR spectroscopy.
• You work accurately and pay attention to detail in both experimental and data-related tasks.
• You are a result-driven and self-motivated team player.
• You are available for 5-9 months for a minimum of 4 days per week.

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment with skilled coaching
• Internship/Graduation compensation of €500,- per month
• Travel cost compensation if you don’t have an ‘OV-weekcard’
• The possibility to network with professionals inside and outside your field of expertise, thanks to our diversity of disciplines which you will work with

What do we stand for?

We develop and manufacture high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market as part of Canon, a global leader in imaging technologies. With around 3,300 employees across three continents and our headquarters in Venlo, the Netherlands, we innovate to create high-quality solutions that add color to the world. Guided by the philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good—our culture is built on openness, collegiality, trust and stability. We empower our people to grow, take initiative, and make an impact.
With our company values collaboration, innovation and ownership, we strive to bring out the best in each other, expand boundaries and feel empowered to take ownership of our work.

careers@cpp.canon