🇨🇭 Internship in Switzerland 🧪 Polymer Synthesis and Materials Research at a University of Applied Sciences 🔬 (CHF 2,100–2,500/month)

If you are a chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science student who loves hands-on lab work, this IAESTE research internship in Switzerland is an excellent opportunity. At FHNW, one of Switzerland's leading universities of applied sciences, you will investigate the structure-property relationships of new materials, synthesise capsules and nanoparticles, and contribute to industry-focused polymer R&D.

About the Host

FHNW is one of Switzerland's leading universities of applied sciences and arts, known for its innovative, practice-oriented approach to teaching, research, and development. The FHNW School of Engineering and Environment supports companies and institutions in their innovation projects, launching around 250 new research and development projects with business partners every year. More than 300 employees across 12 institutes generate knowledge and solutions that are made accessible to industries and markets, with successful technology and IT research characterised by cooperation with national and international research partners.

The Institutes of Polymer Engineering (IKT) and Polymer Nanotechnology (INKA) conduct industry-focused applied R&D projects in polymer synthesis, surface structuring on the micro and nanoscale, chemical and surface functionalisation, coatings, plasma treatments and plasma coatings, and bulk modification through additives and fillers.

About the Role

The internship deals with the investigation of the structure-property relationship of new materials. The work includes the chemical synthesis of capsules and nanoparticles, the processing of these materials, and further material development.

🧪 Synthesise capsules and nanoparticles

🔬 Investigate the structure-property relationships of new materials

⚗️ Process the synthesised materials and contribute to further material development

🤝 Work within industry-focused applied R&D projects at the Institutes of Polymer Engineering and Polymer Nanotechnology

Who Can Apply

This internship is for students in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering or Materials Engineering and Sciences who have completed at least three years of study, particularly in Polymer/Plastics Engineering or Organic Chemistry.

🧫 Knowledge of organic synthesis and polymer synthesis; chemical synthesis, encapsulation, nanoparticle synthesis, and analytics are also relevant

🗣️ Good English (B1, B2)

🌍 Only students in Europe are eligible to apply (the passport can be EU or non-EU)

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

Work Details

📍 Location: Switzerland (on-site, research and development environment)

⏳ Duration: 36 to 52 weeks, within 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2028 (latest possible start date 1 February 2027)

🕗 Working hours: 42 per week, 8 per day

💶 Gross pay: salary varies with study progress, with Bachelor students earning 2,100 CHF, Bachelor graduates 2,300 CHF, and Master graduates 2,500 CHF per month (with approximately 10% social security AHV/IV deduction)

🏷️ Reference number: CH-2026-000063

Living and Lodging

🏠 Estimated cost of lodging: around 850 CHF per month

💶 Estimated cost of living, including lodging: around 1,650 CHF per month

How to Apply

Applications are made through IAESTE. Apply via the official IAESTE listing, quoting the reference number CH-2026-000063. Students apply through their home country's IAESTE national committee.

👉 Apply here: https://iaeste.org/internships/ch-2026-000063