Internship | Graduating at the Data Ecosystems at TNO

Within the TNO Data Ecosystems department, we are working on data sharing infrastructures for several sectors. Our vision is to innovate in and with these sectors to create trusted data sharing solutions for the future. In Europe, new technical standards for data sharing are being developed. At TNO, we collaborate with other organizations to develop these standards, such as Gaia-X and International Data Spaces. Through these so-called "data spaces," it becomes possible to share data with other companies, such as customers or suppliers, while still maintaining control over your own data. Do you want to aid in the development of secure, scalable and sovereign data exchange? Then we are looking for you!

The last couple of years, there was a lot of focus on data sharing between organisations. What has been getting less attention is data sharing between individuals, or data sharing between individuals and organisations. We see data sharing for individuals as a field where we can learn and contribute a lot more as well. One example technology which can be utilized for this is Solid (https://solidproject.org/). We are interested in guiding interns on personal data sharing, to further develop our knowledge in this field and to try to integrate Solid and the Dataspace Protocol, to reach convergence in data sharing solutions.

This might involve some of the following topics:

• Design and develop solutions for the open source community around data sharing to help adopt data spaces in the Netherlands and Europe.
• Design and develop proof of concepts based on common European standards.

Our tech stack involves Typescript for both the frontend (Vue.js) and the backend (Nest.js). We use Kubernetes to host our components. However, there might be room for your preferred programming language as well, depending on the project.

The specifics regarding your project will depend on the research topics we have available at the time of applying and your interests. This ensures that the research you’ll be doing is relevant, and this opens up possibilities for the outcomes of your work to be used in pratical applications, being deployed on European scale. We encourage you to think about a topic yourself and let us know what you think of! In case this is a bridge too far, we are always interested to think with you.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, and curious student working on graduating from their masters or bachelors with knowledge regarding IT and computer science. You should be willing to learn new technologies and are able to think through abstract concepts towards their practical implication.

• Working towards a masters degree, or graduating from a bachelor’s degree
• Degree in IT or related domain (e.g. Artificial intelligence, computer science)
• Willingness to learn

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.