Internship | Synthetic Biochemistry

Introduction
In the last decade, the pharma industry has invested heavily in large biomolecule treatments in the search of highly specific and highly active therapeutic agents able to perform complex interactions that cannot be mimicked by small molecules. Currently, large biomolecules (mostly antibodies and therapeutic proteins) represent >50% of the new drugs approved by regulatory agencies. Whereas small molecule drugs are easily manufactured using organic synthesis, large biomolecules are produced by recombinant expression technology using living cells. This position aims to contribute to the development of a new technology to provide a generic biological platform to produce proteins on demand.

Given the confidentiality of the project, it is advised to not to publish this text online or in any contract without previous permission given by the contact person indicated below.

What you will be doing
The candidate will perform a 5-6 months project focused on one of the limiting aspects for the development of the overall protein production platform. In this context, the intern will conduct experimental activities related to bio-transformations involved in protein synthesis.
The new member will join our current team consisting of two scientists, one project managers, one PhD student and four technicians.

The candidate will be selected among the applications received from our academic collaborators, based on the following skills:

• Currently enrolled in a master’s program in Molecular and Cellular Life Sciences or similar.
• Has background in molecular biology, experience in cell biology and special interest in biochemistry.
• Is highly motivated.
• Is curious and shows initiative.
• Is eager to learn new techniques.

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.