Anticipated start: Autumn 2026 (from September)
Duration: 6-9 months
Location: Wetsus, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
Allowance: The maximum Wetsus allowance for this internship is 425 € per month. Grant holding students (i.e. Erasmus or other) receiving financial support of less than 425 € per month can apply for a top-up supplement to the maximum allowance.
Project description:
PHAs (polyhydroxyalkanoates) are a family of biopolyesters commonly produced in nature by microorganisms. They are considered an attractive alternative to petroleum-based plastics, as they are renewable, biobased and biodegradable. PHAs are readily produced in bioprocesses that treat organic residues and wastes. However, sustainable, cost-effective recovery and processing methods to purify PHAs from PHA-rich biomass remain a challenge and an area for innovation.
This internship project addresses a novel integrated approach for the extraction and downstream processing of PHAs. Solution processing using green, non-halogenated solvents enables to streamline a process that results in products including functional materials. Functional materials can be used as biodegradable carriers for active ingredients. A key aspect of new developments of these materials revolves around the fundamental behaviour of PHAs in green extraction solvents.
The intern joining this project will evaluate and optimise PHBV solubility parameters, where analytical methods such as TGA, DSC, FTIR, and SEM will be applied. This research and its development activities explore the science and understanding in a process of polymer gelation. The internship will support Zarja Medved in a PhD R&D project in a cooperation between Wetsus and Maastricht University.
Your profile:
- Background experience and interests in chemical engineering, materials science, polymer science, chemistry, or similar,
- Aptitude and interest for experiments, analysis methods, and data management,
- English proficiency (written and conversational skills),
- Passion for environment, for progress for biobased circular society, and for renewable materials,
- A self-driven initiative taker who is naturally curious with an inquisitive mindset and who maintains a healthy team-oriented approach to getting results
Benefits:
- An international, multidisciplinary research environment,
- Hands-on experience in process and analysis in applied polymer science, and
- Wetsus allowance of up to a maximum of EUR 425 per month.
How to apply:
Please upload 2 files for a complete application containing the following:
- Your CV (max. 2 pages),
- a letter of motivation (max. 1 page) with a list of the attended courses (can be a summary table or a university transcript).
To apply, please use the application form provided below.
For more information, contact Zarja Medved (< e-mail verwijderd om veiligheidsredenen >).
