The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
For the Synthesis and Processing Platform group we are looking for a
Your tasks
You will contribute to the Synthesis & Processing Platform within the Laboratory for Energy Technologies & Innovation, focusing on the production and advanced characterization of inorganic oxide-based materials. The role is primarily experimental, offering a deep dive into the ceramic processing chain and material science.
Your work will involve the synthesis of inorganic oxide materials using specialized equipment, including Flame Spray Pyrolysis FSP reactors. You will be responsible for the full processing cycle: from wet chemistry and powder processing to shaping techniques such as mixing, drying, and pellet pressing to meet strict industrial specifications. A key component of the internship is the execution of thermal treatment to ensure material stability and phase purity.
Beyond synthesis, you will perform systematic structural and morphological analyses using state-of-the-art techniques, including XRD for phase identification, SEM for morphological study, and BET for surface area and porosity measurements. You will be expected to maintain precise documentation of experimental procedures and results.
This internship provides an international research environment and hands-on experience with industrial-scale projects. For highly motivated students, it offers the opportunity to gain unique insights into scientific collaborations and develop high-level expertise in materials characterization.
Your profile
- You are a student in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Ceramic Engineering, or a related field, and you are at least in your ultimate year of undergraduate study (minimum 4 semesters)
- You have experience within solid-state chemistry and inorganic synthesis
- You possess basic experience in wet chemistry or ceramic processing; previous experience with pelletizing, shaping, or sol-gel chemistry is a distinct advantage
- You have an analytical mindset and familiarity with materials characterization (XRD, SEM, BET)
- You have not yet completed your Master’s thesis
You will work closely with experienced researchers in a multi-disciplinary team. In our collaborative and dynamic environment, proficiency in English is required for documentation and international cooperation. As an open-minded and reliable individual, you maintain a high level of precision and a strong awareness of laboratory safety protocols.
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration.
The contract will be limited to 3 to 6 months.
For further information, please contact Agata Szczeszak, phone +41 56 310 42 54.
Please submit your application online for the position as a Trainee (Index-Nr. 5803-28535).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Lara Essig, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland