Saxion Applied Nanotechnology internships 2026

Job Description

Required (TEWAR-style) quick facts — essential at-a-glance information

• Short description: Hands-on, interdisciplinary internships in applied nanotechnology (sensors, quantum photonics, sustainable electronics, biosensing). 

• Research fields: Nanotechnology / Nanobiotech, Molecular Sensing, More-than-Moore (photonics & MEMS), Circularity, Functional Surfaces, Lab-on-a-Chip. 

• Internship period (current call): January 2026 – July 2026 (separate autumn/spring cohorts may be offered; check the page for updates). 

• Host organisation: Applied Nanotechnology (lectoraat), Saxion University of Applied Sciences — Enschede / Deventer (The Netherlands). 

• Contacts / application emails: Project contacts listed per position on the internships page; open applications: [email protected]. (For individual enquiries, staff leads include Martin Bennink and Cas Damen.)

• Who can apply: Bachelor or Master students (and graduation interns) from Biology, Chemistry, Chemical Technology, Applied Physics, Mechatronics, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Computer Science, and related fields. Applied Nanotechnology

• Where (work location): Saxion research labs in Enschede / Deventer; some projects run in partnership with national hubs (Quantum Talent & Learning Centre / Quantum Delta NL, QuTech, QuiX). Hogeschool Saxion

• How to apply: Send CV + motivation letter to the named project supervisor (or open application to [email protected]). See the internships page for project-specific contacts and descriptions.

Why these internships matter

Saxion’s Applied Nanotechnology group operates “at the interface of nanotechnology and life sciences,” offering industry-oriented, experimentally heavy internships that bridge academic theory with practical device and system development. Students gain laboratory experience with sensors, coatings and photonic chips — and unique access to regional innovation ecosystems such as Quantum Delta NL. These internships are tailored for students who want applied skills that employers in sensors, medtech, photonics and sustainable electronics value. Applied NanotechnologyHogeschool Saxion

Who the group is and where it fits in the ecosystem

The Applied Nanotechnology research group (a lectoraat at Saxion) is chaired by Martin Bennink and Cas Damen and focuses on applied problems: molecular sensing, functional surfaces, circular electronics (device recycling), micro/nanofabrication, lab-on-a-chip and quantum photonics. Their mandate is to run application-driven projects with local partners and national initiatives — meaning interns often work in multi-partner projects and with industry collaborators. Applied NanotechnologyHogeschool Saxion

Typical project categories (what you can join)

Below are the common project types offered (representative — check the site for the specific open list and contacts):

1. Molecular sensing & e-noses — polymer coatings, photonic/optical chip readout, calibration of sensor arrays for gases (ammonia, volatile compounds), early detection of animal-health biomarkers. Ideal for students in biology, chemistry, applied physics and sensor engineering. 

2. Functional surface engineering — polymer brushes, selective coatings to tune sensitivity/biocompatibility of sensors, antifouling and antibacterial nanocoatings. Good for chemistry and materials students. 

3. Quantum & photonic internships — integrated photonic processor experiments, photonic chip testing, compact vector magnet design for spin control, and quantum secure authentication prototypes. Many of these are embedded in Quantum Delta NL initiatives and collaborations (QuiX, QuTech). Best for applied physics, EE and computer science students.

4. Circular electronics / PCB identification & recycling — design of automated classification and sorting solutions for printed circuit boards, sensor integration for detection of hazardous components; mixes mechanical, electrical and software engineering. 

5. Point-of-care biosensor projects — lateral-flow tests, electrochemical sensors, nanopore sensing for biomarkers (e.g., CRP) in clinical fluids; collaboration opportunities with regional academic partners. 

What you will learn — skills & outcomes

• Hands-on experience with sensors (optical, electrochemical), gas calibration systems and sample prep. Applied Nanotechnology

• Surface functionalization techniques: spin-coating, surface grafting (polymer brushes), surface characterization (contact angle, SEM / AFM if available). Hogeschool Saxion

• Photonic chip test procedures, experimental quantum measurements and integration with programmable photonic hardware (for quantum tracks). Hogeschool Saxion

• Systems integration: instrument control, data capture, simple signal processing and reporting.

• Project reporting — writing a technical report, presenting results and (for graduation projects) preparing a thesis.

Who should apply (ideal candidate profile)

• You are motivated to do experimental, hands-on research.

• You are enrolled in education relevant to the project (BSc/MSc).

• You can commit to the internship period (check project posting for exact dates).

• You can work in English; basic Dutch is helpful but not mandatory.

• You have relevant lab experience (a plus) or strong computational skills for quantum/photonic projects. Applied NanotechnologyHogeschool Saxion

Internship summary table (placed in the middle of the article)

How to make your application stand out — practical tips

1. Tailor your motivation letter to the project — explain relevant coursework, lab techniques, and a concise plan of what you hope to deliver (e.g., “I will implement and validate a polymer coating protocol and provide calibration curves for ammonia sensing”). Applied Nanotechnology

2. Show evidence of hands-on skills — short bullet list of tools/techniques (SEM, spin-coating, electrochemistry, Python for data analysis, instrumentation control).

3. Include a short portfolio or GitHub link if the project has a software/automation component (quantum control scripts, data analysis notebooks).

4. Mention availability and timeline — internships are scheduled; clarify your earliest start date and whether you need a thesis/graduation project.

5. References / supervisor contacts — include one or two academic references who can speak to laboratory competence.

What to expect after applying

• The group will contact shortlisted students for a short interview (technical + motivation).

• For graduation projects, supervisors will check the academic feasibility and align deliverables with degree requirements.

• Interns typically produce a technical report; graduating students will prepare a thesis. Applied Nanotechnology

Practicalities — logistics & facilities

• Saxion provides access to well-equipped labs and cleanroom/characterization infrastructure through its research platforms and partner facilities. Quantum internships may offer access to the Quantum Talent and Learning Centre and partner testbeds (networking and national visibility). Hogeschool Saxion+1

• If you are an international student, plan for travel, visa (if required), accommodation in Enschede/Deventer and local transport. Saxion’s international pages list student services and support for degree students (masters); contact the group for specific internship arrangements. Hogeschool Saxion

References

• Applied Nanotechnology — Internships page (Saxion): official listing and application instructions. Applied Nanotechnology

• Saxion — Internships & graduation projects (Applied Nanotechnology lectoraat): details on quantum collaborations and project descriptions. Hogeschool Saxion

• Applied Nanotechnology — Group homepage (overview of research lines and chairs). Applied Nanotechnology

• Saxion — Research group Applied Nanotechnology (research lines & facilities). Hogeschool Saxion

Disclaimer

This article is based on public information published by the Applied Nanotechnology research group and Saxion University at the time of retrieval. Project availability, exact dates and contacts can change; always verify the latest details on the official internships page and by contacting the group directly. I used Saxion’s internship and research pages as primary sources.