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Write your Thesis, Shape the Future!

Energie Lab Zuidoost (ELZO) is a dynamic urban living lab, where science, industry, policy and community come together to drive the social energy transition in Amsterdam Southeast. We work on real-world projects in areas like sustainable energy, circular built environment, climate adaptation, and just energy transitions — directly impacting and embedded in the local community.

Become a Research Intern at ELZO

ELZO is always open to hiring motivated students who have a keen interest in (social-technical aspects of) sustainability and working on real-world challenges, such as those present in Amsterdam Southeast.

Why intern at ELZO? 

Amsterdam Southeast is a place where real innovation happens, driven by the local community, business, and professionals. The topics addressed in this district catalyze systemic change, as together, in Southeast, we reimagine what the City of the Future can truly look like, here and beyond. As a research intern, you will be exposed to the different facets of this potential, and:

  • Gain hands-on experience in a collaborative, innovative environment, turning theory into practice. 
  • Build valuable networks by collaborating with professionals, locals, and innovators. 
  • Learn how to support local communities, rather than extracting from them.
  • Conduct research that matters for the area, and might be implemented by the stakeholders you are working with.
  • Pass knowledge on to the next student (your research will be used in the future!).
  • Meet and work with other students in a dynamic setting.
  • Create a great start for your career as a change-maker in today’s society.

Our Manifesto

ELZO works with their own manifesto. This is drawn up to ensure alignment between researchers and people in the neighborhood. The manifesto exists of the five leading principles for conducting practical research. You can find the manifesto here.

When conducting your research at ELZO, you will be able to conduct your research ‘outside of the ivory tower’. You will work on location at ‘Grond & Ontwikkeling’ of the municipality of Amsterdam as well as at the OBA Next Lab. This will ensure embedding in the (professional) community. 

As part of the manifesto you will volunteer in Southeast. Through this social commitment you make a contribution to the local communiy. Locals support a lot of students with their research, so a reciprocal mindset seems more than fit!

To get to know Southeast you can join a biketour, taking you to important hotspots in the city district.

Lastly, as part of the manifesto, you will do research that delivers practical next steps, so other students can follow-up your research. Besides, you will present your results to your client, as well as the community (only if relevant).

EnergieLabZuidoost_Seminar_2025_HSMedia_Web_001

Open Positions

There are currently no open positions. 

Do you have your own topic?

You can always contact our lab coordinator, and propose your own research question. If your research is relevant to ELZO’s mission, we are open to explore opportunities! 

See our open.research page to find previous student research.

 

Disclaimer

Before you apply, please check if:

  •  You have an academic supervisor. ELZO offers assignments and more, but no academic supervision.

  •  You are willing to work on location in Southeast at least once a week, on a Thursday.

  • Are aligned with what we ask of you regarding the Manifesto.

  • If you’re comfortable working independently, this will suit you well. We meet once a week; on the other days, you decide what works best for you. Want to work at a client’s location or from home? It’s completely up to you!

Ready to apply?

Please contact our education coordinator Gina Gommer!

Gina Gommer
Coordinator Energie Lab Zuidoost
gina.gommer@ams-institute.org