Internship | signing future-proof implementation of atmospheric transport model

Be an intern at TNO and contribute to future-proof atmospheric transport modelling.

About this position

Atmospheric transport models simulate concentrations of trace gasses and particles in the atmosphere. They are an indispensable tool for climate and air pollution research, in particular for understanding the physics of complex atmospheric processes, but also for policy development. These models are computationally expensive and require efficient use of available computing infrastructure. For this reason, we are continuously exploring the possibilities of modern computational techniques and coding platforms to increase speed, accuracy and usability of our current models. This internship focuses on the design of a new code base for the atmospheric transport models used in our department. You will work on the implementation of a transport model in a modern high level programming language and contribute to solutions that help accelerate and improve current atmospheric modeling capabilities. Your ideas will help bring our modeling capabilities to the next level.

What will be your role?

During this internship, you will discuss with your colleagues in the department the requirements for a future-proof implementation of the currently used atmospheric transport models. This includes summarizing the minimum features that such a model should have, the computing systems on which it should run, and the programming language(s) in which it should be implemented. You will propose different choices for the implementation, and by balancing the advantages and disadvantages together with the team a first design should be made. After making a development plan, a first rudimentary implementation should be made in a high level language such as Python or Julia, and evaluated on available high-performance computing facilities.

What we expect from you

For this internship, we are looking for a master student with a background in computational science. Knowledge of modern high level programming languages for computational intensive science applications is essential. Experience with high performance computing systems is useful, as well as interest in atmospheric applications. The work will be done in a diverse team of colleagues with different talents and interests; smooth communication skills are therefore useful too.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject-specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of €615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration.