Internship | Master internship bacterial adhesion and invasion to ex vivo colon tissue explants

This internship will give you hands on experience with host-microbe interactions in the gut, focusing on the physical adhesion and invasion of bacteria on/into the gut tissue.

Bacterial adhesion to the intestinal wall is a crucial step in the colonization of both probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. Effective colonization of pathogens will allow subsequent invasion which will have health consequences for the host, such as travelers’ diarrhea. On the other hand, effective probiotic colonization might protect against pathogen adhesion by occupying binding sites and secreting protective factors against infection. There are extensive developments in the probiotic and nutrition industries to develop products, which can be probiotic strains or other food ingredients, that will protect against pathogenic bacterial adhesion and invasion. To investigate the effectiveness of such products, a proper research model is needed. At TNO we have a model with high physiological relevance to the in vivo gut, the InTESTine™. The model uses ex vivo intestinal tissue explants which have in vivo tissue architecture and cell type diversity, including mucus producing cells. The produced mucus adds an extra barrier for bacterial adhesion, invasion, and translocation thus consequently impacts largely the host-microbe interaction. Therefore, this model has several advantages compared to the commonly used Caco-2 cell line. In this internship, the student will help develop and perform ex vivo and in vitro experiments to study bacterial adhesion and invasion into tissue explants from human and animal donors. Experiments will include bacterial culturing techniques, quantification of bacteria by different methods, tissue handling and processing to use in the InTESTine™ platform, and perform assays to study the host-microbe interaction e.g. tissue viability.

The student will become part of the Human Cell Biology research team of approximately 15 researchers and technicians. Additionally, you will work with researchers from the Microbiology team. The internship should be performed at our research location in Leiden.

• For master students only
• Minimum internship period is 6 months, preferred period is 9-10 months
• Experience with microbiology culturing techniques is a pre (not a must)
• Drivers licence is a pre

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- and hbo-students, 390 euro for 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.