Internship | Assessing the spatial variability of emissions from wood burning

Wood combustion in residential areas is currently the main source of PM2.5 emissions in Europe, accounting for around half the total emissions. However, estimating how much emissions are released is difficult due to uncertainties in the amounts of wood burned and the circumstances under which it is burned. For assessing the impacts of these emissions (e.g. using dispersion models), knowing where these emissions occur is critical. Especially for urban areas this is important, since some cities in Europe have already banned wood burning or are considering it.

This study focuses on improving the spatial variability of wood burning emissions in Europe. The current method was developed some 10 years ago and is based on an overlay of population density and wood availability (nearby forests). As a first step, a literature review will be done to identify any alternative methodologies and also availability of datasets. Then, a methodology should be picked and implemented at European scale. As a second step, you will identify different regions/cities in Europe that have banned wood burning, or put significant restrictions, which can then also be reflected in an improved version of the spatial variability map of wood combustion.

You will be working in the team on air pollutant emissions within the department “Air and Emission Research”. The team consists of 7-8 experts in the field of air pollutant emissions, mostly focussing on particulate matter and its subcomponents including ultrafine particles, at European scale. Most of the work focuses on preparing emission inventories suitable for air quality modelling, within our own department and beyond. In the team we work with many other groups within TNO and other research groups throughout Europe. Our group is internationally oriented and also includes several non-Dutch staff, hence most of the communication takes place in the English language.

Apart from a relevant study program (environmental or earth sciences, physics, chemistry or similar), you will also have knowledge about or interest in working with spatial datasets, affiliation with environmental problems and some experience in programming (e.g. Python) and/or working with large datasets, or the ability to learn such abilities quickly. You are able to able to organise yourself and your work, critical at your own work and are able to solve problems by yourself. You will be part of a team, which means we communicate together as a team by means of presentations and discussions where you are expected to take an active role in. Furthermore, you should have good communication skills both verbally and in writing, in the English language.

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.

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. Read more about TNO as an employer.

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. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

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 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.