Internship | PFAS free firefighting foam

Internship Opportunity: PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam

About this position

Pollution of the environment with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is a significant concern, which has grown considerably in recent years. PFAS compounds are persistent and will accumulate in micro-organisms, in animals and humans. Many of these materials will be banned or severely restricted by the government in the future, but TNO already has performed research for several years to find PFAS-free solutions.

What will be your role?

In this project, we are developing a PFAS-free firefighting foam, and you will learn about the physical/chemical process of firefighting. Your work consists of developing firefighting formulations and testing their firefighting properties. Physical and chemical analyses are also part of your work such as TGA, SEM, rheology surface tension, and more. You will help us understand the complex behaviour that results from combining nanomaterials, polymers, and surfactants in a foam. The experiments will be designed based on prior research and combined with the innovative nanomaterials technology of TNO. The internship will last for at least 4 months, and longer durations are possible if preferred by the candidate.

What we expect from you

You are a proactive, pragmatic, and independent university or master’s student with a background in one of the following areas: Chemistry or Chemical Engineering. Knowledge and affinity to physical chemistry is a requirement as well as a hands-on mentality. Experience with polymers and rheology is a plus. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, is 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 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).
• 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: 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.

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.