Internship | MSc research project: Analysis of Transport Methods for Evaluation of Monitoring

Permanent subsurface (geological) CO2 storage is an essential part of all potentially successful strategies to reduce worldwide CO2 emissions. TNO performs research that aims to help realize viable storage projects. During this research internship you will apply mathematical methods in the context of numerical modelling of CO2 storage. These models can be used to predict the reservoir dynamics, including the flow of the CO2, after injection into geological formations, as well as the response of data sensors to these dynamics, and can thereby help manage the storage operations.

You will conduct research on the applicability and performance of so-called Optimal Transport Methods for conditioning of CO2 storage models to monitoring data. These methods are expected to help deal with complex uncertainties and nonlinearities in data-assimilation problems. In this project you will work together with staff from TNO and TU Delft (Dr. Max Ramgraber). The work is intended to qualify as a MSc research project in e.g. Applied Mathematics, Applied Geosciences, or Applied Physics.

An introduction to Optimal Transport can be found here.

We expect that you are comfortable working with mathematics and statistics. Ideally you also have some basic familiarity with data assimilation concepts, preferably in the earth sciences. We furthermore expect that you are capable of clearly communicating your research both orally and in writing, and that you are able to work with, and develop, Python code.

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.