Msc: Internship Physical Chemistry

Do you want to uncover how formaldehyde forms during printing and contribute to safer working environments? Are you ready to take on the challenge of creating innovative analytical solutions in a real-world setting? We are looking for you!

Your assignment

At the Canon Production Printing Analysis and Measurements Department, one of our key responsibilities is monitoring the air near printers to ensure user safety. A compound that can be found is formaldehyde, which can be formed during printing and is classified as a human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Its concentration is a critical aspect when assessing the air quality and safety of our working environments. The mechanism(s) behind its formation during printing is unclear. Your challenge is to investigate the mechanism(s) and link these to emission patterns using advanced analytical tools.

Your assignment will consist of:

• Literature review: Explore (scientific) literature for proposed mechanisms of formaldehyde formation and photochemical reactions relevant to printing environments.
• Experimental design: Develop setups that make it possible to investigate which condition(s) (e.g. printing and UV-exposure settings) lead to formaldehyde formation and investigate reaction pathways.
• Method evaluation: Utilize detection techniques (e.g. GC-MS, LC, NMR) for formaldehyde analysis.
• Data interpretation: Correlate patterns in emission measurements with underlying chemical processes.

You will be working with state-of-the-art GC-MS equipment and collaborate with a highly experienced team.

Your profile

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and are currently enrolled in a Master’s program (Physical Chemistry preferred, Analytical Chemistry also welcome).
• Strong interest in reaction mechanisms and advanced analytical instrumentation.
• You have skills such as an analytical mindset, creativity, and the ability to work accurately.
• As of 2025, you are available for 4 to 6 months for a minimum of 4 days per week.

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment with skilled coaching
• Internship/Graduation fee up to €500,- per month
• Travel cost compensation if you don’t have an ‘OV-weekcard’
• The possibility to network with professionals inside and outside your field of expertise, thanks to our diversity of disciplines which you will work with.

With our company values—collaboration, innovation, and ownership—we strive to bring out the best in each other, expand boundaries, and feel empowered to take ownership of our work.

We develop and manufacture high-tech printing products and workflow software for the commercial printing market as part of Canon, a global leader in imaging technologies. With around 3,300 employees across three continents and our headquarters in Venlo, the Netherlands, we innovate to create high-quality solutions that add color to the world. Guided by the philosophy of Kyosei—living and working together for the common good—our culture is built on openness, collegiality, trust, and stability. We empower our people to grow, take initiative, and make an impact.