Trainee Synthesis and Processing of Inorganic Oxide- Materials

Position Summary

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences in Switzerland. We conduct cutting‑edge research in future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamental science, and we are looking for a Trainee for Synthesis and Processing of Inorganic Oxide‑Based Materials within the Synthesis and Processing Platform group of the Laboratory for Energy Technologies & Innovation.

You will contribute to the synthesis and advanced characterization of inorganic oxide-based materials. The role is primarily experimental and involves:

• Participating in the ceramic processing chain—from wet chemistry and powder processing to shaping techniques such as mixing, drying, and pellet pressing—to meet strict industrial specifications.
• Conducting thermal treatments to ensure material stability and phase purity.
• Performing systematic structural and morphological analyses with state‑of‑the‑art techniques, including XRD for phase identification, SEM for morphological study, and BET for surface area and porosity measurements.
• Maintaining precise documentation of experimental procedures and results.

This internship provides an international research environment and hands‑on experience with industrial‑scale projects, offering the opportunity to gain unique insights into scientific collaborations and develop high‑level expertise in materials characterization.

• Current student in Materials Science, Inorganic Chemistry, Ceramic Engineering, or a related field, in at least the final year of undergraduate study (minimum 4 semesters).
• Experience in solid‑state chemistry and inorganic synthesis.
• Basic experience in wet chemistry or ceramic processing; prior work with pelletizing, shaping, or sol‑gel chemistry is a distinct advantage.
• Analytical mindset and familiarity with materials characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, and BET.
• Has not yet completed Master’s thesis.
• Proficient in English for documentation and international collaboration.
• Reliable, open‑minded, precise, and aware of laboratory safety protocols.

• Contract limited to 3–6 months.
• Work within a multi‑disciplinary team in an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic environment.

For further information, please contact Agata Szczeszak, phone .

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Lara Essig, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland.