The assignment
You will be working on the Myco Coating Boards research project, in which you investigate how pure mycelium can be used as a protective layer to increase the applicability of biobased boards in construction. At present, biobased boards still perform poorly in areas such as fire and water resistance. The project team is investigating whether mycelium can help improve exactly these properties so that the materials can be used more widely.
Your main activities are:
- Working in the mycelium lab in Breda (Korte Huifakkerstraat 6): growing and applying pure mycelium on boards using different methods (both mechanical and biological).
- Testing properties to assess the adhesion and performance of the applied layers.
- Conducting a literature review on relevant topics related to mycelium, biobased materials and coatings.
The internship period runs from September 2026 to February 2027, lasting approximately 20 weeks. You can join either as a regular internship student or as a graduation student; the project is preferably suited to graduation students, but motivated regular interns are also welcome. The working language in the team is English, as you will collaborate in a multidisciplinary and international team. Several researchers also speak Dutch.
You are a good fit for this assignment if, after an induction period, you can carry out laboratory research independently, are analytically strong, and work accurately and critically. A background in (micro)biology, environmental science, or materials science is an advantage. Both university of applied sciences (hbo) and research university students are welcome.
You can apply by sending your CV and motivation letter to:
Contact: Shannon Peuling – S.peuling@avans.nl
About MNEXT
MNEXT is the Centre of Expertise for the materials and energy transition. Together with companies, governments, researchers and students, MNEXT bridges the gap between innovation and society and carries out practice-oriented research for a sustainable future.
Projects at MNEXT fall within three main themes: transition and value creation, sustainable energy technologies, and biobased and circular materials. As an intern or graduation student, you will always work in a multidisciplinary research team and tackle real-life issues from the professional field.
Each semester, between 40 and 50 students do an internship at MNEXT. So you will not only be working on your own assignment, but you will also have a lot of contact with other students, allowing you to build a strong professional and social network.
In addition, you automatically take part in an internship programme with more than ten workshops. These help you develop research skills as well as career competencies: from using AI in desk research and dealing with research integrity to professional use of LinkedIn and coaching to develop your own start-up idea.
All students receive an internship allowance of €350 per month.