Internship | Microplastics Formation and Detection in Reusable Plastics

Internship | Microplastics Formation and Detection in Reusable Plastics

About this position

At TNO, we work on the most impactful topics of our time. One of those is understanding and preventing microplastics. Microplastics can be formed and released during the use of plastic products such as reusable cups and synthetic textiles. The selected use-cases will be products that carry a high risk of human exposure to microplastics. The project will result in a better understanding of the human exposure through use of plastic products and the effect of product reuse on this exposure.

What will be your role?

Your task will be to develop reproducible and realistic procedures for the simulation of plastic materials in use and to analyse the microplastics that are formed this way. Characterizing microplastics is a unique challenge that requires strong experimental design coupled with advanced detection techniques such as FTIR, TED-GCMS and/or SEM.

You will work together with TNO departments EMSA (Environmental Modelling, Sensing & Analysis) in Utrecht, and MaS (Materials Solutions) in Eindhoven. In Utrecht, you will perform the experiments and have access to relevant characterization techniques (SLS, GCMS, FTIR, SEM) and in Eindhoven you will have access to characterization techniques for the mechanical properties of (micro)plastics.

What we expect from you

• Our ideal candidate is a master student who has an affinity with microplastics with a background in chemistry/chemical engineering, material science, environmental science, or closely related backgrounds and the student must possess prior knowledge and experience in working in a chemical lab and planning/performing experiments.
• The student is willing to work in Utrecht and Eindhoven.
• The internship start date will be determined in consultation with the candidate (preferably January-March 2026).
• The internship has a minimum duration of 6 months and a maximum duration of 9 months.

What you'll get in return

• 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.

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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Zaf Khalil
  • E-mailadres: zaf.khalil@tno.nl