Internship | Master Thesis Intern at Cyber Security Technologies

Contribute to tomorrow’s information security. Envision it. Become a Master Thesis Intern at TNO Cyber Security Technologies in The Hague, Groningen or Eindhoven.

In today’s connected world, we increasingly depend on digital technologies. Everything’s controlled by computers. Not just your phone, but also your car and even the bridge you cross. This drives the development of ever more sophisticated and intelligent technology and infrastructure, but it also makes us vulnerable to criminals and cyber warfare. As a master thesis intern at TNO Cyber Security Technologies you will contribute to making companies and government authorities more secure and resilient against cyber threats. Would you like to conduct your thesis research at the forefront of cyber security?

What will be your role?

Working in a team, you will contribute to a project dedicated to one of our focus areas, which include Automated Security, Security Monitoring & Detection, and Vulnerability Research. Will you develop technology that automatically detects network intrusions, repels the intruder and restores service? Or would you rather help detect cyber criminals who use novel, decentralized methods of communication? With our broad spectrum of internship assignments, we offer a wealth of research opportunities. And we will work with you to find a match between your interests and talents and our projects and customers.

What we expect from you

You thrive on conducting research that helps protect our clients against cyber risks. As you’ll be spending between six and nine months researching for your Master’s thesis, you are highly motivated to contribute to the fast-moving field of cyber security in a multi-disciplinary environment. And you enjoy learning from the best and working with colleagues from different backgrounds.

Other knowledge and skills you bring to TNO:

• A University Bachelor’s Degree. And you’re in the final phase of your Master’s Degree training in mathematics, physics or computer science. Programming skills are a plus.
• Experience of, or a keen interest in cyber security, helping you master the topic within the first few months of your internship.
• An excellent command of English at academic level.

What you'll get in return

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.
• And if you like your experience, the prospect of a job as a junior scientist at TNO. Did you know that 28% of our vacancies are filled by our former interns?

TNO as an employer

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer.

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:

1. you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
2. the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.

• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.

Puck de Haan is a researcher in the Cyber Security Technologies department. She has a strong background in AI and Machine Learning. In her work she focuses on the use of AI for cyber security and, conversely, the cyber security of AI.

Email: puck.dehaan@tno.nl