Internship in Next-Generation Lithium Metal Batteries (F/M/D)

Facing the Challenges of our time

Help us grow and be more impactful!

The “Coatings for Energy Devices” group of our “Sustainable Energy” Business Unit based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is currently looking for an intern in development of thin Li metal anode and artificial SEI by PVD methods.

Your mission :

Develop coatings for lithium metal that results in better cell performance (cyclability, CE) than standard uncoated Li, using ionic liquid-based electrolytes.

Use PVD methods (thermal evaporation and sputtering) to:

• Evaporate thin Lithium metal anode (≤20 µm)
• Develop coatings (Li-M alloys, Li-halides, ect…) to enhance the stability and cycling life of the Li metal anode
• Formulate IL based electrolytes for the Li metal anode
• Understanding the failure and/or improved cycling performance mechanisms

Your responsibilities :

• Lithium and coatings preparation
• Cells (coins and monolayer pouches) assembly and testing (Galvanostatic cycling, EIS, etc.)

Characterization:

• SEM for surface investigation at higher magnification.
• EDX analysis for elemental composition
• Post-mortem analysis of cycled batteries (full and half cells).

Your profile :

Know-how:

• Master’s student in Materials Science, Electrochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields
• Strong interest in advanced battery technologies and energy storage innovation
• Motivation to work in an applied research-oriented and interdisciplinary environment
• Fundamental knowledge related to one or more of these topics: Electrochemistry, materials science, thin film coatings and lithium-ion / lithium-metal batteries
• Experience or academic exposure to: Electrode materials, electrolytes, solid-state batteries, thin film coatings or interface phenomena
• Familiarity with physical and/or electrochemical characterization techniques

Interpersonal skills:

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving mindset
• Good communication skills (written and oral) in English; French is a plus.

CSEM mission and values

Our mission is the development and transfer of innovative technologies to the Swiss industry. Our objective is to make an impact on our customers and on society at large in the fields of precision manufacturing, digital technologies and sustainable energy. Our strength is the excellence of our people, about 650 passionate specialists dedicated to innovation and technology transfer. We believe that strong values support the successful development of our organization as well as the harmonious and balanced development of all our employees.

We are

• A unique place between research and industry at the cutting edge of new technologies
• An innovative, non-profit, and employee-driven company
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment
• A solar team focused on enabling solutions to energy challenges for a sustainable world

Working@CSEM means

• being part of a passionate community
• incredible flexibility, attractive working conditions, and great opportunities of development
• benefit from a management style based on trust & feedback and that favors a work-life balance

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity.

We look forward to receiving your complete application file via (CV, cover letter, certificates & diplomas) our job page.

Preference will be given to professionals applying directly.