Internship | Graduation in behavior of concrete structures

The civil engineering and construction industry will change radically in the coming decades. Major social issues, such as the Paris Agreement, set new prerequisites for changes that are needed in construction processes and usage of materials. We face challenges that require solutions to be developed under pressure. Current topics include the use of new types of concrete with alternative binders or recycled aggregates, safe and economical maintenance of existing structures, and a safe and responsible reuse of structural components from disposed structures. In a sector that is known as conservative, TNO develops and supports innovations with the goal to enable the industry to realize safe and sustainable structures for both today and the future.

You will join a group of specialists that investigates the behavior of (innovative) concrete types and concrete structures, and who know how to connect these areas of expertise. It is the group’s ambition to play a leading role in the aforementioned social trends/developments. Our specialists have a great diversity of experiences and competences.

Your research is one of the links in the research programs of TNO. Within TNO you have access to modern research facilities (software tools, laboratories, etc.) and an extensive network to carry out your research. Depending on the subject, you choose a mentor who will help you with your graduation project. We offer you the opportunity to develop yourself as a specialist, and to present and publish about your research where possible.

We offer graduation projects for master students educated in civil engineering or architecture and built environment. Preferably, you are interested in concrete and/or structural mechanics. You are open to new insights, you are focused on collaboration, and you have an independent and critical mindset. A few examples of topics on which you can graduate with us are:

• Safety assessments reuse prefab concrete elements;
• Effects of temperature variations on cracking behaviour and shear strength capacity of complex concrete structures;
• Development assessment models for historic steel-concrete bridge decks and of course TNO is also open for other topics which you want to bring up.

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.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

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.