Internship | Desk Study on the Production of Bio-Based Molecules

About this Position

The chemicals industry produces over 250 billion tons per year, with products forming the basis of our modern economy. Almost all products we use are influenced by chemicals, currently derived predominantly from fossil sources. This results in significant greenhouse gas emissions, which are misaligned with global efforts to combat climate change and meet international climate targets, such as those set by the Paris Agreement. Additionally, the security of supply of chemicals is a forefront issue, exacerbated by recent geopolitical developments. There is a growing demand for sustainability from consumers and brand owners, with CO2-footprint reduction a major goal.

Biobased chemicals offer a promising solution to these problems. Using locally produced, non-food competitive residues as feedstocks for chemicals, rather than petrochemicals, improves the carbon footprint while reducing geopolitical dependencies. To this end, TNO has developed platform technologies to efficiently convert non-edible hemicelluloses to a range of interesting biobased-chemical products for a variety of end-use products, based on the platform chemical furfural.

What Will Be Your Role?

In this project, you will conduct an in-depth desk study on converting sugar-rich biorefinery residue streams into high-value, commercially viable bio-chemicals. Your research will encompass:

• A comprehensive review of the literature
• A thorough assessment of various technologies and approaches
• A critical evaluation of each option, identifying the advantages and disadvantages, potential risks, and unresolved questions associated with each technology

Your analysis will culminate in the development of a strategic plan for the further deployment of the most promising technologies. Throughout the project, you will collaborate closely with seasoned chemists and engineers from TNO and the Biorizon team, ensuring a robust and practical outcome.

What We Expect from You

We expect that you will:

• Be driven to contribute to the realization of a greener chemical industry
• Be enthusiastic and eager to learn
• Have an affinity for chemical processes and engineering concepts
• Have a structured approach to your work, and show a great deal of autonomy
• Be acutely aware of the safety considerations concerned with working with chemicals and reactors
• Have a flexible approach to working days/hours (the work will require you to be on location max 1-2 days per week)
• Be comfortable communicating in English

What You'll Get in Return

You want an internship opportunity as the precursor of your career. 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 great value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be 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 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 and are driven to push boundaries. There is ample 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: each 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. By combining our unique strengths and perspectives, we 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. Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. TNO uses the UNL-template for students at a college or university based in the Netherlands and specific agreements for other students. 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 program 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 have a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.

Has This Job Opening Sparked Your Interest?

Then we’d like to hear from you! Please contact us for more information about the job or the selection process. To apply, please upload your CV and covering letter using the ‘apply now’ button.

Contact Information

Marc Crockatt
Email: marc.crockatt@tno.nl