Internship | Mapping Plastic Pollution Sources and Mitigations

Plastic pollution is a large environmental problem but quantification of the problem lags behind. How much plastic is polluting the environment and what are the most optimal and cost effective mitigation strategies?

Plastic litter is one of the main environmental challenges as identified by the UNEP. In order to tackle this problem, quantification of the plastic pollution problem is essential. For example, the government and the European commission are pressing to reduce the environmental impact of human activities and change our current linear economy to a system with little or no waste, where all materials are preserved and reused. However, plastic pollution sources are numerous, and so are the mitigation strategies. Therefore, limiting plastic pollution is a very complex topic that requires additional scientific research. For example, sources of plastic pollution may vary per country, and hence effective mitigation strategies should be mapped properly. TNO is contributing in this field by modeling plastic pollution losses on a global level and to extract mitigation advice. As an intern, you will be part of the team that works on mapping plastic pollution sources and mitigations. You will be focusing on one of the following aspects: data collection, mitigation development and uncertainty analysis.

We are looking for a Master student that preferably has a background in either industrial ecology, waste management or environmental sciences. Prior knowledge on Material Flow Analysis, modeling, plastics and/or sustainability is preferred but not essential. Enthusiasm and curiosity for the topic are the most important recommendations. For modelling purposes, we are looking for a student with prior experience in R/ Python. A good knowledge of the English language is essential.

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.