Internship | Master thesis Intern – AI driven Sustainable Plastic Packaging Solutions

We seek a motivated intern to enhance an algorithm predicting the performance of seals in packaging. Improving packaging seals is crucial for maintaining product integrity and safety, preventing contamination and spoilage. Innovations in seal technology lead to more efficient packaging and help minimize environmental impact. By improving the algorithm and predictive model, you will help the industry transition to sustainable packaging, addressing broader sustainability goals. Your work will directly impact the development of innovative, sustainable and circular packaging solutions. Ideal for students passionate about sustainability, this internship offers the opportunity to make a tangible difference.

You will enhance the algorithm, build and develop the predictive model, identify data gaps, and suggest improvements for better results. You will also investigate how the model performs in industrial settings and implement necessary changes. Additionally, you will develop the model to accommodate the current range of plastic packaging materials, ensuring it meets the industry’s needs. Students are encouraged to develop this internship within the context of their master thesis.

You will work in the Circular Packaging team, together with scientists and researchers aiming to produce recyclable packaging made of recyclate materials.

You are a proactive and independent master student with a background in one of the following areas: computer science, data science, polymer/materials science or a related field. Knowledge and affinity for machine learning and data analysis is a requirement, as well as experience working with data sets and Python. Data collection, organization, and analysis, as well as more advanced data processing and modelling techniques, are expected. A strong understanding of materials science, particularly polymers, is essential for this role. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, are expected.

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.