Internship | Exploring Plasma Technology for Advanced Plastics Recycling

Plastics pollution is a global challenge, and innovative approaches are needed to tackle it. Plastics pollution is a global challenge, with over 400 million tons of plastic produced annually, and less than 10% effectively recycled. Traditional recycling methods struggle with mixed and contaminated plastics, leaving a significant environmental footprint. The TNO plasma team in Geleen is focused on electrifying the chemical industries using plasma technology. This innovative approach holds great potential for breaking down plastics into valuable raw materials or alternative products, thereby contributing to a circular economy. We aim to conduct an initial techno-economic and impact assessment on the process, scaled to maturity, to establish whether plasma technology is the viable path forward for advancing plastics recycling.

In this internship project, you will contribute to conducting an initial techno-economic assessment of plasma technology in plastics recycling. Your focus will be on data and literature analysis, where you will:

• Develop a strong understanding of the technology and identify key performance parameters.
• Compare plasma recycling technology with competitors in the field.
• Analyze and integrate technical and economic perspectives to propose viable pathways for scaling the technology.

You will collaborate with the plasma team in Geleen, which boasts extensive expertise in plasma technology and chemical processes, and engage with experts providing economic insights. This unique combination of technical and economic collaboration will allow you to bridge the gap between innovation and practical implementation. The expected duration of this internship is 6 months.

• Master students from chemical engineering and business engineering are best suited for this project.
• Basic understanding of industrial chemical processes and/or plasma technology is preferred.
• Work in a structured way, be a team player and be capable of multi-tasking.
• Be capable of communicating and reporting in English.
• Students should be comfortable working in an international, diverse and multidisciplinary environment.

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.