The Assignment
As an intern, you will participate in research on flexible fungi and the material properties of mycelium derived from various fungal species—ranging from molds to mushrooms. Once the raw material has been harvested, you will examine and measure its specific characteristics. This includes analyzing the material’s structure—using a microscope or scanning electron microscopy (SEM)—as well as testing properties such as shear strength, adhesion, detachment behavior, and water repellency.
A key part of the assignment is investigating whether mycelium from different fungal species can be combined to create effective hybrid materials. You will work in the mycelium lab in Breda, where you will cultivate and harvest fungi, subsequently processing them into either pure or hybrid materials.
Your tasks may include:
cultivating and harvesting fungi;
producing pure and hybrid mycelium-based materials;
testing material properties using a universal testing machine (tensile tester);
measuring flexural strength, density, and thickness;
conducting microscopic examinations and scanning electron microscopy (SEM);
performing literature research on relevant topics;
analyzing the chemical composition of cell walls.
The chemical analysis of cell walls is already supported by an established, tested protocol; however, suggestions for further improvements are welcome. For this aspect of the work, you will need knowledge of analytical chemistry—specifically techniques such as HPLC and GC/MS.
You are expected to work independently, precisely, and analytically. You must follow established protocols, adhere to safety standards, and maintain a critical perspective on your own work. Following an initial orientation period, you will conduct laboratory research independently. Creativity and an active, solution-oriented mindset—contributing ideas for new approaches or protocols—are highly valued. A background in—or a strong interest in—(micro)biology, fungi, and materials science is preferred. Applications are welcome from students at both universities of applied sciences (hbo) and research universities.
This assignment can be completed as an internship or a graduation project. It is scheduled to begin in January or February 2027 and will run until July 2027, spanning a period of approximately twenty weeks.
Interested? Please contact Ilse Rovers at ca.rovers@avans.nl. Send an email including your cover letter and CV. You will receive a response via email and may be invited for a brief tour of the lab.
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 work on practice-oriented research for a sustainable future as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
MNEXT’s projects fall under three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and biobased and circular materials. As an intern or graduation student, you will be a fully integrated member of a research team, working on real-world challenges from the professional field.
Each semester, dozens of students complete internships at MNEXT. This allows you to collaborate with many other students and build an extensive network. You will automatically participate in an internship program that includes over ten workshops focused on research skills and career competencies. Topics range from the use of AI in desktop research and research integrity to the professional use of LinkedIn and coaching to help develop a start-up idea.
You will receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.