IAESTE Internships

Location

Belgium

Internship type

ON-SITE

Reference number

BE-2026-003-UGE

Students Requirements

General discipline

Biotechnology

Completed Years of Study

4

Fields of Study

Languages

English Excellent (C1, C2)

Required Knowledge and Experience

-

Other Requirements

-

Work Details

Duration

25 - 52 Weeks

Within These Dates

01.08.2026 - 31.07.2027

Holidays

20.07.2026 - 24.07.2026

Work Environment

-

Gross pay

300 EUR / month

Working Hours

40.0 per week / 5.0 per day

Living Lodging

Type of Accommoditation

Trainee with the help of LC.

Cost of lodging

150 EUR / month

Cost of living

300 EUR / month

Work Offered

Additional Info

Only candidates with EU citizenship (EEA or Swiss) (or dual EU nationality) are eligible, as the internship duration exceeds 90 days under Belgian visa regulations. Unfortunately, applications for shorter durations (up to 90 days) cannot be considered.

Work description

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant was established in 2008 and currently has more than 165 employees.We work in a unique, open innovation pilot and demonstration facility for process development, scaling up and (trial) production of bio-based products and processes, from laboratory to multi-ton scale.We combine a wide and flexible range of modular unit operations with a team of highly qualified and experienced bio-process engineers and technicians to translate laboratory-scale bio-based processes into cost-effective industrial processes. Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant wants to be the workplace where all employees can grow and use their full potential. We offer a pleasant atmosphere, value and reward initiative, hard work and commitment.********TOPIC 3 - Development and scale-up of sustainable downstream processing strategies for SAF precursorsAvailable from August 2026Project description:The pursuit of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has become a cornerstone of the transition towards a greener aviation industry. As part of this overarching goal, this project focuses on the development and scale-up of innovative downstream processing (DSP) strategies for the sustainable recovery and purification of SAF precursors. These strategies aim to enhance industrial relevance while minimizing environmental impact.The specific objectives of this internship position include:Development of Sustainable DSP Strategies: Innovate and optimize downstream processes to recover SAF intermediates with a focus on sustainability. This involves designing and testing various DSP techniques to maximize recovery efficiency.Evaluation of Technologies and Process Conditions: Assess multiple DSP technologies and operational conditions to determine their performance in terms of recovery rates, energy consumption, and material requirements. This step is crucial for identifying the most effective and sustainable methods.Benchmarking Green Solvents: Compare the use of green solvents against traditional extraction systems. This involves evaluating the efficacy, cost, and environmental impact of green solvents in the DSP of SAF precursors.Solvent Recycling for Process Intensification: Investigate the feasibility of recycling solvents within the DSP framework to enhance process efficiency and industrial viability. This includes optimizing conditions for solvent reuse without compromising recovery performance.This internship at Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP) offers hands-on experience in fermentation and downstream purification technologies and supports the transition to a circular bio economy. All experimental work will be performed in the industrial environment of BBEPP using state-of-the-art equipment, in cooperation with a team of experienced professionals. Your work will contribute to the Flemish-funded HYBRID project, crucial for further development and industrial scale-up.

Deadline

26.06.2026