Can biobased materials reduce VOCs in indoor air

MNEXT; Breda; Remote; EUR 3,300 - 4,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly internship allowance €350

Job summary

MNEXT invites a fourth-year graduation intern to explore whether biobased construction materials can reduce VOC emissions in indoor air as part of the VOCScan project. You will design and run a small-scale test chamber study using a reference material (OSB) with and without bio-based composites, tracking VOC signals over time.

The role emphasizes precise experimental design, data interpretation, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a relevant science or engineering degree.
• Interest in lab measurements and data interpretation.
• Strong communication and reporting skills required.

Responsibilities

• Design the test plan and conduct VOC measurements in a small-scale test chamber.
• Compare reference material with biobased composites under controlled conditions.
• Analyze data to assess VOC reductions and prepare a final report.

Skills

Biobased materials

VOC measurements

Experimental design

Education

Biology/Chemistry/Engineering degree

Tools

GC-MS

Job description

For a fourth-year graduation internship, you will investigate whether selected biobased construction materials can reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air. You will conduct an exploratory laboratory study as part of Work Package 3 of the VOCScan project. This involves comparing a reference material—such as OSB—both with and without the addition of a mycelium-based composite or a biobased SAM panel. You will contribute to a better understanding of the potential role that biobased materials can play in fostering a healthy indoor environment.The working language is English.

You will design and conduct comparative measurements in a small-scale test chamber, following the VOCScan test protocol. Your test plan should encompass several scenarios: an empty test chamber (as a baseline measurement), the reference material alone, the bio-based material alone, and both materials combined. Throughout the experiments, you must keep relevant conditions as consistent as possible—such as the climate within the test chamber, airflow, the quantity of material, and the exposed surface area. You will also track VOC signals over time.

The core research question is: Under controlled conditions, does the addition of a selected bio-based material demonstrably and repeatably reduce the measured VOC signal of a reference material?

You will analyze whether any observed differences between tests are repeatable. Furthermore, you will investigate whether a difference might be caused by the bio-based material’s own emissions or by the experimental setup itself. Where available, supplementary GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) measurements may be used; GC-MS allows for the analysis of individual chemical substances within a gas sample.

In your final report, you will present the measurement data, evaluate the strength of the evidence for a potential reduction in VOCs, and outline the follow-up research required to determine whether adsorption—the binding of substances to a material’s surface—plays a role. You are expected to work with precision, thoroughly document your experimental choices, and remain mindful of the limitations inherent to an exploratory measurement method.

You should have an interest in experimental design, laboratory measurements, and the critical interpretation of data. This assignment is well-suited for students in fields such as Biology and Medical Laboratory Research, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering. You will work alongside MNEXT researchers and receive expert input from FC-i, SAM Panels, and Bouwbiologie Zwolle. MNEXT provides regular research guidance and makes the test chamber protocol available for your use.

About MNEXT

MNEXT is the Centre of Expertise for the materials and energy transition. In collaboration with companies, government bodies, researchers, and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society. You will engage in practice-oriented research for a sustainable future, becoming a fully-fledged member of a multidisciplinary research team as an intern or graduation student.

MNEXT’s projects fall under three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and biobased and circular materials. Each semester, dozens of students complete internships at MNEXT. This allows you to collaborate with many other students, helping you gain not only subject-specific experience but also social connections and a valuable professional network.

As a student, you will automatically participate in an internship program featuring over 10 workshops. These cover research skills and career competencies—such as using AI for desk research, research integrity, professional use of LinkedIn, and coaching to help develop a start-up idea. You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.

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