Internship | Advancing Satellite Techniques for Emission Plume Detection

Internship | Advancing Satellite Techniques for Emission Plume Detection at TNO in Utrecht

About this position

Do you want to help advance the future of space-based air-quality monitoring? At TNO, we develop innovative Earth-observation methods that enable new ways to detect and quantify atmospheric pollutants from space. Building on our recent research into satellite-based detection of local emission features, this project examines how observations can capture small-scale patterns and transient plume behavior. You will contribute to the scientific foundations needed for future mission concepts and atmospheric applications. Join our team and help shape the next generation of satellite capabilities for air-quality research.

What will be your role?

As an intern, you will analyze and test satellite-based methods for detecting and characterizing atmospheric emission plumes at high spatial resolutions. You will evaluate different observational strategies, and combined with radiative transfer modelling, investigate the sensitivity of satellite instruments to fine-scale emission plumes, and assess how these approaches can support future air-quality monitoring from space. Your work will contribute directly to questions at the interface of retrieval science, instrument concept development, and atmospheric applications.

You will join a collaborative, forward-thinking, and highly specialized research team within TNO’s Air Quality & Emissions Research (AER) department in Utrecht, where technical rigor and an open, supportive environment go hand in hand.

What we expect from you

The ideal candidate has a background in Atmospheric Physics or Earth Sciences. Strong proficiency in Python is essential, and the ability to work with large (satellite) datasets would be highly valuable. Familiarity with the fundamentals of atmospheric physics and Earth observation is considered a significant advantage. This internship can be carried out as part of a Master’s thesis project.

What you'll get in return

• 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.

More information about this vacancy?

• Enrico Dammers
  • E-mailadres: enrico.dammers@tno.nl