IAESTE Internships

Location

Switzerland

Internship type

ON-SITE

Reference number

CH-2026-000240

Students Requirements

General discipline

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Environmental Engineering/Sciences
Material Engineering and Sciences

Completed Years of Study

2

Fields of Study

Languages

English Good (B1, B2)

German Good (B1, B2)

Required Knowledge and Experience

-

Other Requirements

-

Work Details

Duration

12 - 36 Weeks

Within These Dates

01.02.2026 - 31.12.2026

Holidays

NONE

Work Environment

-

Gross pay

2300 CHF / month

Working Hours

41.0 per week / 8.2 per day

Living Lodging

Type of Accommoditation

Employer

Cost of lodging

850 CHF / month

Cost of living

1650 CHF / month

Work Offered

Additional Info

Any student with Non-EU/EFTA nationality needs an official letter from their university, confirming that the internship is compulsory (required for visa/work permit).

Work description

Empa is a national research laboratory and part of the ETH Domain. We conduct cutting-edge materials and technology research, generating interdisciplinary solutions to major challenges faced by industry, and create the necessary scientific basis to ensure that our society develops in a sustainable manner.EMPA offers an internship/MSc thesis project in: Graphite Recycling and Regeneration from End-of-Life Lithium-ion BatteriesThe transition towards a sustainable energy system requires large amounts of critical raw materials. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) contain several of these materials, including graphite, whose demand is projected to increase significantly in the coming years. Efficient recycling and regeneration of graphite from end-of-life batteries will therefore become an essential element of a climate-neutral circular economy.This MSc thesis project contributes to the development of improved recycling processes within the European Horizon ReUse project. The project aims to enhance the circularity and sustainability of the low-value LFP battery waste stream—from production scrap to end-of-life LIB—by creating new processes that maximize the recovery and reuse of input elements and components.Project Topic: Characterization and Regeneration of Recycled GraphiteThis project focuses on the purification and regeneration of graphite recovered from end-of-life LIBs. Your work will center on the detailed physicochemical characterization of graphite before and after regeneration in order to evaluate material quality and suitability for reuse in battery manufacturing.Your Tasks• Perform comprehensive material characterization using techniques such asSEM, XRD, ICP-OES, TGA and particle size analysis (optional).• Compare structural, morphological, and chemical properties of pristine, aged, and regenerated graphite.• Assess the effectiveness of different purification and regeneration routes.• Support the development of quality criteria for battery-grade recycled graphite.• Document your results and present them to the project partners.What You Bring• Student in chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.• Interest in battery materials, material characterization, and sustainable technologies.• Prior laboratory experience is an advantage; knowledge of material recycling is beneficial but not mandatory.

Deadline

11.01.2026