Testing mycelium coatings on bio-based sheet materials

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

Benefits offered by this job

Internship allowance

Multidisciplinary team

Job summary

MNEXT invites students to participate in a 20-week graduation internship to explore whether pure mycelium can serve as a protective coating for bio-based sheet materials used in construction.

The role involves building on prior research, applying mycelium to sheets, and testing moisture resistance and durability within an international team. English will be the working language.

Qualifications

• Analytical, precise, and critical with the ability to provide sound justifications for research decisions.
• Background in microbiology, biology, environmental science, or materials science is preferred.
• Open to HBO and research university students.
• Internship lasts 20 weeks (Feb–Jun 2027).

Responsibilities

• Investigate whether pure mycelium can be used as a protective layer for bio-based sheet materials.
• Build upon previous research into applying mycelium to such materials.
• Test moisture resistance and durability of the coating.
• Conduct a literature review on relevant topics.
• Work within a multidisciplinary, international team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Precise

Critical thinking

English proficiency

Education

Background in microbiology/biology/environmental science/materials science

Job description

MNEXT > Vacatures > Testing mycelium coatings on bio-based sheet materials

Stage

Testing mycelium coatings on bio-based sheet materials

During this graduation internship, you will investigate whether pure mycelium—the network of fungal threads—can be used as a protective layer for bio-based sheet materials in the construction industry. You will build upon previous research into various methods for applying mycelium to such materials. Subsequently, you will test the impact of this coating on properties including moisture resistance and durability.The internship is part of a research project on mycelium coatings at MNEXT in Breda. You will work within a multidisciplinary, international team on an application that has the potential to expand the possibilities for using bio-based sheet materials in construction. The working language is English.

The construction sector is seeking materials with a lower environmental impact. For over seven years, MNEXT has been conducting research into mycelium composites. Pure mycelium is also highly promising; it is currently used in fields such as fashion and design as an alternative to leather. In this assignment, you will investigate whether pure mycelium can also function as a protective layer for bio-based sheet materials.

Currently, bio-based sheet materials underperform in terms of fire and water resistance. A layer of mycelium could potentially help improve these properties, thereby expanding the range of applications for bio-based sheets in construction.

You will work in the mycelium laboratory located at Korte Huifakkerstraat 6 in Breda, where you will cultivate pure mycelium and apply it to sheet materials. You will then test the properties of the coated material, examining aspects such as the coating’s moisture resistance and durability. You will also conduct a literature review on relevant topics.

Following an initial introduction, you will carry out laboratory research independently. You should be analytical, precise, and critical, with the ability to provide sound justifications for your research decisions. A background in microbiology, biology, environmental science, or materials science is preferred. This assignment is open to students from both universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities.

The internship lasts 20 weeks, running from February through June 2027. You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.

This assignment is suitable for students from fields including:

• Civil Engineering (in ’s-Hertogenbosch)
• Architecture/Building Engineering
• Health and Technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Health, Welfare, and Environment
• Biology and Medical Laboratory Research
• Environmental Science for Sustainability, Ecosystems and Technology (ESSET)

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, focusing on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future. As an intern or student completing your final-year project, you will become a full-fledged member of a multidisciplinary research team, working on real-world challenges from the professional field.

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, build an extensive network, and develop social connections.

You will automatically participate in an internship program featuring over 10 workshops designed to strengthen your research skills and career competencies. Topics include, for example, the use of AI in desk research, research integrity, the professional use of LinkedIn, and coaching to help advance a start-up idea. You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.

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