Intern microbiology

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Date: Sep 6, 2023

Location: Sassenheim, NL

Company: AkzoNobel

We’ve been pioneering a world of possibilities to bring surfaces to life for well over 200 years. As experts in making coatings, there’s a good chance you’re only ever a few meters away from one of our products. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We’re active in more than 150 countries and have set our sights on becoming the global industry leader. It’s what you’d expect from the most sustainable paints company, which has been inventing the future for more than two centuries.

Job Purpose


Nowadays, more environmentally friendly water borne paints are produced instead of solvent borne paints by AkzoNobel. Increase in the water percentage in paint production increases the risk of microbial contamination. There are two ways to avoid contamination issues

a)    preservation of water based products
b)    ensuring good plant hygiene to allow continuous manufacturing activities and reduction of the contamination of products.
 
In Microbiology Expertise Group (MBEG) we perform microbiological tests with our Deco paints in a laboratory or field/production environment, taking into account necessary technical, legal, HSE and Product Stewardship principles. MBEG performs tests to optimize biocide packages (preservation) for different product categories. Accordingly, different biocides are tested with an in-can challenge test.  Furthermore, tests are done to evaluate the performance of different sanitizers against planktonic microorganisms as well as biofilm to be used in production. Until now, we have tested performance of sanitizer against biofilm in water. The plan is to test the sanitizers in paint (white wash water) environment. 

The plan is to create old biofilm of fungi and bacteria in water and white water environment and check the performance of the sanitizers. Since the incubation time is long, it is expected to participate other running projects.

The intern


Accordingly we would like to have a Microbiology student who can

  •    We are looking for interns with an MBO education, who are in the 3rd year of microbiology. Candidates with other educational backgrounds will not be eligible for this position
  •    Together with team leader and members execute experiments with high efficiency and accuracy
  •    Communicate clearly and effectively the key outcomes of the experiments within the team. Provide the team/project leader with clear overviews about activities and timing to ensure optimum project planning.
  •    Supports the overall working facilities (equipment, materials) of the team.


Standard tests performed by MBEG

  •    Sterility check: Agar preparation, make streaks
  •    Biofilm test: Preparation of agar, medium, solution and batch reactors, sterility check and TVC
  •    In-can challenge test (ICC test): Agar, medium, solution and sample (paint) preparation, biocide addition, sterility check

 

 

We welcome your online application at https://www.akzonobel.com/en/careers. Only online applications, including a CV and cover letter, will be processed. If you have any questions, you can contact Bobby Heideman, Talent Acquisition Partner. Or send an email to TalentResourcing.NL@akzonobel.com.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.

Requisition ID: 31973