Internship | Retrospective Evaluation of Underutilized Satellite Earth-observations

Atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHGs) present a significant threat to the climate, environment and human health. Only a small fraction of our current satellite instruments are specialized for the task of measuring these trace gases, yet hundreds of satellite instruments have orbited the Earth in the past few decades, some of which likely possess the capabilities of observing these harmful gases. Recent work has demonstrated that concentrations of strong absorbers such as methane can be derived from the imagery of sensors such as Sentinel-2, and our goal is to extend this to additional crucial species.

The goal of the assignment is to evaluate the breadth of past and existing satellite sensors in orbit, and identify whether the observations from these satellites could be utilized for trace-gas measurements. The intern will adapt existing radiative transfer tooling for real imagery from these satellite sensors. We will initially focus on N2O, and if it is effective, the work can later be expanded to other species. If successful, we aim to perform retrievals of select trace gases from these satellites and demonstrate their capabilities for observations over strong emission sources.

The student will spend 6 - 8 months at the Department of Air Quality and Emissions Research (AER) which has leading expertise in remote sensing and translating knowledge of emissions and air quality into solutions to environmental issues by modeling atmospheric processes.

You are a proactive, driven and independent master's student with a background in one of the following areas: Atmospheric Science, Geoscience, Remote Sensing, GIS, Data Science, and related fields.

Knowledge and strong experience with Python programming is a firm requirement for the position. Good communication skills in English, particularly for presenting your work and writing reports, are expected. The project would preferably be combined with a master's thesis.

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.