Internship | Bird behaviour around wind turbines on basis of radar and camera data

The number of offshore wind turbines at the Dutch coast is increasing rapidly. More attention to the possible effects of wind turbines on birds is therefore necessary. Within the Black Blade project TNO has gathered a lot of video and radar data on the behaviour of birds. We would like help in analysing this data.

We have over 9 months of continuous data from a specialized bird radar (Robin Radar 3D MAX) and 9 cameras (visual and thermal). You will dive into the data analyse general trends but also identify specific behaviour. For the analysis you can use existing scripts as a basis but are free to explore and use the knowledge of our experts on radar and imaging technologies. The data is gathered in the following project:
https://topsectorenergie.nl/en/projects/project-zwemt-takes-research-into-a-higher-level-with-higher-effectiveness-of-black-blades/

The video gives a good overview of the setup.

You will be part of the small ecology team within the Wind Energy group of TNO in our brand new office in Rijswijk. There are options to cooperate with experts outside and within TNO as it is a multi-disciplinary approach. The estimated duration of the internship is 6 months, but could be extended to a MSc/BSc assignment.

Ideally you have a passion for both renewable energy and ecology with special attention to birds and bats. An interest in data analysis and knowledge of scripting/coding would be very helpful. Experience in working with radar data or object detection in visual data is also an advantage, but not a must. Also you should not be afraid to reach out to internal and external experts for advise/input.

Study: (University or University of Applied Sciences)

Ecology focused : (Applied) Biology, Forest and Nature Management, Environmental Biology

Data focused: (Applied) Data science, Bioinformatics, Medical Imaging, Computer Vision and Biometrics

Or similar studies or bachelor/master directions

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.