Student Assistant in Polymer Data Curation and Database Development

Want to make your mark on our time? Become a Student Assistant in Polymer Data Curation and Database Development at TNO in Utrecht!

About this position

TNO is one of Europe’s leading independent research and technology organisations, where science meets realworldworld world impact. Within TNO, the Safe and Sustainable by Design approach focuses on creating new materials that are not only highperformingperforming performing, but also scalable, affordable, and environmentally responsible. At polySCOUT, you will be part of a team working on the transition to sustainable plastics. By combining polymer chemistry, data, and AI, polySCOUT accelerates the development of biobased and biodegradable polymers that can be used in real products. This student assistant position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of materials science, data curation, and sustainability, while contributing directly to research with societal and industrial impact.

What will be your role?

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented student assistant to support our research team in developing a structured polymer database. The position combines data curation, chemical structure generation, and research into polymer chemistry. This role is ideal for a chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science student with domain knowledge in polymer chemistry and characterization.

You will gain hands-on experience in polymer data management and digital materials science, while contributing to cutting edge polymer research and the development of research data infrastructure. The position offers flexible working hours and supportive supervision, making it easy to combine your work at TNO with your studies.

What we expect from you

Key Responsibilities:

Database creation and structured data management

• Design, populate, and maintain a well-organized polymer database.

Research polymer compounds

• Identify and collect information on relevant polymer systems from scientific literature and databases.

Develop polymer data entries and structures

• Draw polymer structures using ChemDraw and generate corresponding SMILES representations for all entries.

Data collection and curation

• Extract key information from peer-reviewed papers and technical documents, ensuring accuracy and consistency based on polymer chemistry expertise.

Regular coordination

• Attend weekly check-in meetings with a designated TNO representative to discuss progress, address questions, and ensure workflow clarity.

Post-submission support

• Assist with data verification, corrections, and minor updates following internal reviews.

What you'll get in return

Challenging and varied work with a real impact. And plenty of opportunities as, at TNO, you are in charge of shaping your career. In addition, you will be given every opportunity to develop yourself.

• An extremely professional, innovative working environment where colleagues are leading experts in their field.
• The opportunity to attend courses, workshops and conferences, and to receive training and coaching based on your needs.
• 33 days annual leave on a full-time basis plus a flexible holiday (prorated) that can be used on a cultural, religious, or otherwise important day of your choosing.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of working from home.
• A good pension scheme.