Internship or Graduation Project | Machine Learning for Polymer Design

Internship or Graduation Project | Machine Learning for Polymer Design

The future of our planet depends on innovative technologies which can introduce sustainable solutions to our world. Plastics have been under scrutiny despite their unique performance in packaging, automotive, textile etc. TNO Circular Plastics strives to address the challenges fossil-based plastics face with respect to their environmental impact. This internship aims to shed light into novel plastics developed by machine learning. To accomplish this task TNO uses state-of-the-art techniques in an interdisciplinary project where material science meets artificial intelligence.

What will be your role?

This project helps you get trained in different aspects of polymer informatics. You will work in a passionate team of scientists, consultants and project managers where you use your skills in programming as well as polymer science. The aim of this internship is to support students to get a taste of research outside academia and to work with different stakeholders across the value chain.

More specifically, you will focus on researching and developing a state-of-the-art optimization algorithm to optimize the design of new polymers based on desired properties. While one part of the team works on creating an algorithm to predict polymer properties based on structure, you will focus on the inverse: optimizing the building blocks and composition of a polymer for the properties that we want for sustainable plastics. Think for example of evolutionary algorithms, particle swarm optimization or other machine learning techniques that you may find fit and are curious to explore. Your main challenges lie in creating a robust algorithm that efficiently searches the enormous polymer space, and researching a multi-objective function that incorporates various polymer properties and their interactions. Your creativity and out-of-the-box thinking are valuable here, as well as communication and alignment with the rest of the research team.

What we expect from you

• You are in the final stage of a master’s degree in e.g. artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, chemical informatics, computational science, computer science, applied mathematics, or a related field
• Basic knowledge of Python or possibly R is required, fluency is a bonus
• Experience with hyperparameter optimization or sensitivity analysis is a bonus
• Knowledge of polymer science is a bonus
• You can work independently on different aspects of scientific research, including literature review and academic writing
• You are collaborative and proactive
• You are available to work in Utrecht for a period of at least 6 months with possibility of extension.

Please include the following information in your cover letter:

• Any experience you might have on this topic in terms of previous projects or university courses,
• Whether you are looking for an internship or a graduation project,
• The preferred duration of your project (flexible in the range of 6 to 9 months),
• Your desired start date (flexible, but due to the required security screening the earliest possible start date is three months after submitting your application),
• One or two reference contacts.

Private or LinkedIn messages will not be considered; only apply via the TNO website. Note that we will not guarantee a job at TNO after finishing a graduation project.

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).
• 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?

• Noah Bunt, van de

  • E-mailadres: noah.vandebunt@tno.nl