Internship | Analytical Chemistry

In the last decade, the microbiome has gained a lot of interest in view of human health, drug development and personalized treatment. The ‘so-called ’Gut-Brain axis’ was identified as a key-player in many metabolic regulations (human and microbial). Intestinal microorganisms, also called the gut microbiota, affect human health to a great extend and can be assessed through microbial metabolite production. Various classes of metabolites are excreted through the microbiome and hence a quantitative assessment is essential for understanding their role in human health. The three main classes of microbial metabolites are i) Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), ii) tryptophan metabolites and iii) bile acids. The SCFAs are well-known microbial derived metabolites to improve intestinal barrier function and regulate the immune response. Recent studies show that tryptophan-related metabolites, such as serotonin, and bile acids are involved in many health-related processes.

In this project, the student will conduct literature research and a large portion of time in the lab to implement and optimize a sensitive and quantitative UPLC-MS method to analyse tryptophan- and bile acid- metabolites in various samples. He/She will primarily work at the Department of Metabolic Health Research (MHR), in collaboration with Microbiology and Systems Biology (MSB). The main aim is to set up and validate a quantitative method for analysing Bile acids and tryptophan derived metabolites in supernatants of the i-screen. The i-screen is an ex vivo/in vitro model that uses fecal samples to metabolize compounds of interest, such as dietary fibers and oral drugs.

We are looking for a detail orientated person with a technical drive studying in the field of Analytical Chemistry.
The student should be autonomous, self motivated and enthusiastic but also a collaborative team player and communicator.

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-students 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.