MSc: Internship Physical Chemistry - Unravelling the mechanism(s) of formaldehyde formation in UV in

Ready to dive into chemical mechanisms and advanced analytical techniques? Do you want to uncover how formaldehyde forms during printing and contribute to safer working environments? Are you ready to take on the challenge of creating innovative analytical solutions in a real-world setting? We are looking for you!

At Canon Analysis and Measurements Department, one of our key responsibilities is monitoring the air near printers to ensure user safety. A compound that can be found is formaldehyde, which can be formed during printing and is classified as human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). As such, its concentration is a critical aspect when assessing air quality and the safety of working environments. The mechanism(s) behind its formation during printing is unclear.

Your challenge is to investigate the mechanism(s) and link these to emission patterns using advanced analytical tools.

Your assignment

• Literature review: Explore scientific literature for proposed mechanisms of formaldehyde formation and photochemical reactions relevant to printing environments.
• Experimental design: Develop setups that make it possible to investigate which condition(s), such as printing and UV-exposure settings, lead to formaldehyde formation and investigate reaction pathways.
• Method evaluation: Utilize detection techniques such as GC-MS, LC, and NMR for formaldehyde analysis.
• Data interpretation: Correlate patterns in emission measurements with underlying chemical processes.

You will be working with state-of-the-art GC-MS equipment and collaborate with a highly experienced team.

Your profile

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and are currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Physical Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry.
• You have a strong background in chemical reaction mechanisms, including molecular bond breaking, degradation pathways, and photochemical reactions such as UV-induced reactions.
• Strong interest in advanced analytical instrumentation.
• You have skills such as an analytical mindset, creativity, and the ability to work accurately.
• You are available for 4 to 6 months for a minimum of 4 days per week.

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment with skilled coaching.
• Internship or graduation fee up to €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 the diversity of disciplines you will work with.

About the company

Canon Production Printing develops and manufactures high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market as part of Canon, a global leader in imaging technologies. Guided by the philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good—its culture is built on openness, collegiality, trust and stability. The company empowers its people to grow, take initiative, and make an impact.