Internship | Solar water splitting

About this position

Conversion and storage of sustainable energy is one of the key challenges of the 21st century. At TNO, sustainable energy storage is addressed by looking into storage in (organic) molecules and solar fuels to fuel transportation and the chemical industry. In order to establish this, large amounts of green hydrogen should be available for a low price. Hence, in order to fuel the energy needs of tomorrow, innovative solutions are sought today.

What will be your role?

In this project, an experimental study will be done on the photo-induced oxidation and reduction chemistry on organic surfaces to form oxygen and hydrogen, also referred to as photo water splitting (PWS). Combined with the innovative nanomaterials technology of TNO, the experiments will be designed based on prior literature research. The internship will last for at least 6 months, longer is possible if preferred by the candidate.

What we expect from you

You are a proactive and independent master's student with a background in one of the following areas: Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Knowledge and affinity for physical chemistry and (inorganic) synthesis is a requirement. Experience with potentiostats and electrochemistry is a plus. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, are expected. Depending on the requirements of the university, the project can be combined with a master's thesis.

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 given the scope 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.

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, 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. At TNO, we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table, it is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society.

The selection process

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. 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 Dutch nationality, it may take longer.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• 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 the 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.

More information about this vacancy?

"We strive to provide a supportive and innovative environment for our interns, allowing them the freedom to explore and contribute to impactful projects." Jonathan van den Ham, stagecoordinator

If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact Jonathan at jonathan.vandenham@tno.nl.