Internship | Optimizing Military Medical Logistics through AI and Simulation Technologies

The Ministry of Defense aims to enhance knowledge of medical training and analysis methodologies through the research program that includes this internship, focusing on simulation and data analysis for operational healthcare. This is intended to improve the quality of care for military personnel and contribute to maximizing their survival chances during deployment. The internship involves researching the technical possibilities and limitations of simulation and AI techniques to support the medical logistics process: Which techniques work best, and with what guidelines and criteria can they be applied?

This internship starts with a brief literature review to understand existing knowledge and identify topics for the technology watch (a parallel project). Next, a limited scenario is defined and a model is designed, in collaboration with the client, to encompass the desired concepts. If a suitable simulator is found or created, a decision support system is developed to add value for military experts. Techniques such as Reinforcement Learning may be used. The AI's performance is analyzed from a decision support perspective. After making adjustments, a new iteration of training and analysis is conducted. The acquired knowledge is documented and presented in an internship report.

The assignment is part of a multi-disciplinary project and will be performed within TNO’s Intelligence and Decision Support department, which is part of the Unit Defense, Safety and Security. We are a team of +/- 35 professionals who are passionate about applied research that make the Netherlands more safe and secure. We develop innovative solutions in our expertise areas of intelligence and (AI-based) decision support for the Dutch armed forces and national security partners. We're excited to welcome you to our diverse team.

You are curious and capable of conducting independent research on AI in the context of decision support. Additionally, you are proficient in reading technical documents and know how to seek help from colleagues when needed.

• You are following a master in a relevant field, for example engineering and policy analysis, applied mathematics, artificial intelligence, data science, knowledge engineering etc.
• You are interested in the military domain and Intelligence.
• You have good communication skills in English and/or Dutch.
• Experience with simulation tools, AI and machine learning techniques.
• Strong analytical skills.

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.

For this internship vacancy it is required that the AIVD issues a security clearance (VGB) after conducting a security screening. Take into account that this process may take about 8 weeks. If you have been abroad for more than 6 consecutive months, or if you do not have the Dutch nationality, it may take longer. Read more about security screening on the AIVD website.

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.