IAESTE Internships

Location

Switzerland

Internship type

ON-SITE

Reference number

CH-2026-000241

Students Requirements

General discipline

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Electrical 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.Join us in the international research project Circular Electronics Initiative (CEI)! The project focuses on the sustainable management of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE or e-waste) in South Africa, Ghana and Egypt.E-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams worldwide. It is characterized by complex materials that are both highly valuable and potentially hazardous. Implementing proper e-waste management is considered a key priority, supporting several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including human health and the reduction of environmental toxicity.This project is carried out by multiple organizations in Switzerland and the focused countries, with Empa concentrating the work on the sub-topic of monitoring the e-waste value chain. Developing adequate monitor-ing systems enables the quantification of the benefits of e-waste management, for example, in terms of materials recovered and carbon emissions avoided. It also provides insights into the e-waste market, which is essential for building a well-functioning recycling system.Your contribution would involve supporting the Empa team in collaboration with local country teams to establish and maintain such a monitoring system, showcasing stocks and flows of e-waste within these countries. Activities include developing strategies and frameworks, as well as analyzing data which is provided by the partner countries. You should have some experience or basic knowledge in Material Flow Analysis or Life Cycle Assessment methods, or at least a strong willingness to learn them.If you are interested in exploring the topic of e-waste management in an international setting and in developing monitoring systems to ensure that this waste stream is adequately managed, we look forward to receiving your application.

Deadline

11.01.2026