Internship | PFAS Free Firefighting Foams

Want to make your mark on our time? Become an intern at TNO!

About this position

Pollution of the environment with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a significant concern, which has grown considerably in recent years. PFAS compounds are persistent and will accumulate in micro-organisms, in animals and humans. Many of these materials will be banned or severely restricted by the government in the future, but TNO already has performed research for several years to find PFAS-free solutions.

What will be your role?

In this project, we are developing a PFAS-free firefighting foam, and you will learn about the physical / chemical process of firefighting. Your work consists of developing firefighting formulations and testing their firefighting properties. Physical and chemical analyses are also part of your work such as TGA, SEM, rheology surface tension, and more. You will help us understand the complex behaviour that results from combining nanomaterials, polymers, and surfactants in a foam. The experiments will be designed based on prior research and combined with the innovative nanomaterials technology of TNO. The internship will last for at least 4 months, and longer durations are possible if preferred.

What we expect from you

You are a proactive, pragmatic, and independent university or master’s student with a background in one of the following areas: Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Knowledge and affinity to physical chemistry is a requirement as well as a hands-on mentality. Experience with polymers and rheology is a plus. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, is expected. Depending on the requirements of the university, the project can be combined with a master’s thesis.

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. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. By working with businesses and government, and by connecting different perspectives, we strengthen our innovative capability and create responsible, meaningful results.