Internship | Agent-based modelling of bird migration through wind farms

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Internship | Agent-based modelling of bird migration through wind farms

• Location: Rijswijk
• Working remotely: Hybrid
• Education level: Master
• 32-40 hours/week

About this position

Twice a year, once in Spring and once in Summer, millions of songbirds traverse the Netherlands during their seasonal migration. As offshore wind energy is rapidly expanding, migratory birds may fly in proximity to wind turbines, thereby facing an increased risk of collision. If we can successfully simulate birds flying through offshore wind farms, we can improve predictions of collision risks during these mass migration events and/or improve wind farm layouts and operations to reduce those risks.

What will be your role?

At TNO, we are developing an agent-based model to simulate the flight of migratory birds through offshore wind farms. The model aims to capture a range of behaviours, from macro-avoidance of entire wind farms to micro-avoidance and collision risk at the level of individual turbines. In this project you will further adapt this agent-based model to (1) simulate bird flight behaviour as realistically as possible based on actual measurements, and (2) use the model to test how different wind farm layouts affect predicted collision risks. The insights of this model will support ecological impact assessments and can help in improving the design of future nature-inclusive wind farms.

What we expect from you

We are looking for a student with an interest in both ecology and modelling, with strong quantitative skills. This project is a part of the BIRDSAFE initiative.

Background/techniques:

• Bird ecology
• Offshore wind farms
• Big data analysis
• Agent Based Modelling
• Programming in Python (or ideally C++)

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.

TNO combines the power of science and entrepreneurship to turn knowledge into concrete innovations or ventures that make a difference.

Important to know before starting the internship

• Before the start of the internship, an internship agreement must be signed. For students enrolled at a Dutch university or university of applied sciences, TNO uses the UNL-template, supplemented with several TNO-specific agreements. For students from foreign educational institutions and MBO (secondary vocational education) programmes, 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 for the duration of the internship, and;
2. the internship forms part of your study programme.

The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.

• Interns at TNO must have a registered residential address in the Netherlands at the start of the internship. Carrying out internship activities from abroad is not possible.
• Are you an international student? Please note that you must have a BSN (Dutch citizen service number) before the start of your internship. Applying for a BSN can take several weeks, so make sure to start this process well in advance.
• If you start an internship with us, we will also ask you to provide a Certificate of Conduct (VOG).