Unravelling the mechanism(s) of formaldehyde formation in UV inkjet GC-MS

Do you want to uncover how formaldehyde forms during printing and contribute to safer working environments? Are you ready to take on the challenge of creating innovative analytical solutions in a real-world setting? We are looking for you!

Your assignment

At the Canon Production Printing Analysis and Measurements Department, one of our key responsibilities is monitoring the air near printers to ensure user safety. A compound that can be found is formaldehyde, which can be formed during printing and is classified as human carcinogen by the World Health Organization (WHO). Its concentration is a critical aspect when assessing the air quality and safety of our working environments. The mechanism(s) behind its formation during printing is unclear. Your challenge is to investigate the mechanism(s) and link these to emission patterns using advanced analytical tools. 

Your assignment will consist of:

• Literature review: Explore (scientific) literature for proposed mechanisms of formaldehyde formation and photochemical reactions relevant to printing environments.
• Experimental design: Develop setups that make it possible to investigate which condition(s) (e.g. printing and UV-exposure settings) lead to formaldehyde formation and investigate reaction pathways.
• Method evaluation: Utilize detection techniques (e.g. GC-MS, LC, NMR) for formaldehyde analysis.
• Data interpretation: Correlate patterns in emission measurements with underlying chemical processes.

You will be working with state-of-the-art GC-MS equipment and collaborate with a highly experienced team.

Your profile

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and are currently enrolled in a Master’s program (Physical Chemistry preferred, Analytical Chemistry also welcome).
• Strong interest in reaction mechanism and advanced analytical instrumentation.
• You have skills such as analytical mindset, creativity and you can work accurately.
• As of 2025, you are available for 4 to 6 months for a minimum of 4 days per week

What’s in it for you?

• A challenging assignment with skilled coaching
• Internship/ Graduation fee up to €500,- per month
• Travel cost compensation if you don’t have an ‘OV-weekcard’
• The possibility to network with professionals inside and outside your field of expertise, thanks to our diversity of disciplines which you will work with.
• With our company values collaboration, innovation and ownership, we strive to bring out the best in each other, expand boundaries and feel empowered to take ownership of our work.

Interested?

Are you interested in this assignment? Please click on the button 'apply now' at the top on the page where you can upload your resume and motivation letter.
If you would like to receive more information concerning this assignment, please contact:

Henk Baron, henk.baron@cpp.canon, tel. +31 (0)77 359 4527, or Lidia Molina-Millan, lidia.molinamillan.external@cpp.canon, tel. +31 625 659 358

If you have any questions about the internship in general, please contact careers@cpp.canon