Internship | Investigating the effect of filter extraction on the oxidative potential of particles

The health impact caused by exposure to poor air quality is gaining increased attention in the EU and NL. Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is responsible for ~80% of this health impact and is associated with a wide range of adverse health effects. PM is a complex mixture of particles with a broad range of physicochemical characteristics. The multiple sources contributing to PM together with atmospheric aging cause a large variation of these characteristics over time and location, including size, morphology, surface area and chemical composition. Current PM policies and human risk assessments focus only on mass-based metrics. This approach neglects other PM characteristics known to have significant health effects and the variation of species in the PM. Mass-based policies therefore induces the risk of mitigating less health-damaging sources and could prove inefficient for health gain. To effectively design policy focused on reducing the health impact of PM, a comprehensive metric is required that is closely linked to health effects. Although there are candidates available for becoming such a metric, currently none of them are sufficiently established to be used for policymaking.

Within TNO we are focusing on Oxidative Potential (OP) as a possible metric to measure PM in a more health relevant way. Your task within is this project is to get more insight in one type of OP-analysis: the DTT assay. You will mostly focus on the method of extraction of particulate matter collected on filters and its effect on the OP value. Next to that, you can dive into the effect of the particle size of the PM on the OP value of the sample.

Different analysis techniques are available in our department. Based on your literature research a plan will be made with the supervisor which analysis techniques will be used.

You will be working in the Particle Expertise Centre, a young and ambitious team working on projects related to particulate matter and microplastics.

Our ideal candidate is a master student with a technical, chemistry, material science, environmental or closely related background, with a multidisciplinary and scientific interest.

What you will bring:

• Master student
• English or Dutch speaking
• Interested in air quality, sample preparation and/or analysis 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.