Internship contract | Belval | 6 Months

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organisation (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute?

Fluid-dynamic surfaces mimicking nature, such as shark-skin-inspired riblet structures, are already revolutionizing industries ranging from food processing to paper production. Yet achieving durable antimicrobial, hydrophilic, or hydrophobic properties on such complex micro- to nanostructured geometries remains a major scientific and industrial challenge. The INNOCOAT4PLASMA project tackles this challenge by combining bio-based monomer (derived from the waste-wood industry and from plant extracts) and atmospheric pressure plasma deposition, an energy-efficient, low-waste, and scalable coating technology, applied onto recycled thermoplastic foils with imprinted micro- to nanostructures.

You will be mainly in charge of:

·        Conducting atmospheric pressure plasma deposition of bio-based functional coatings onto micro- to nanostructured thermoplastic foil substrates.

·        Characterizing deposited coatings using surface analytical techniques (e.g., contact angle measurement, Micro-FTIR, SEM, fluorescence confocal microscopy).

·        Supporting research staff in the antimicrobial performance assessment of plasma-coated micro- to nanostructured surfaces and in the multiscale modelling and simulation of atmospheric pressure plasma deposition processes.

·        Regular technical reporting (in English) and writing a final report.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

·        Currently enrolled in a Master's degree programme (Bachelor's degree obtained) in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

·        Background in surface science, polymer science, thin film technology, or green chemistry is a strong asset.

Experience and skills

Hard skills:

·        Knowledge of or strong interest in plasma-based deposition techniques (e.g., atmospheric pressure PECVD, DBD plasma).

·        Prior laboratory research experience on surface characterization methods (e.g., SEM, XPS, AFM, contact angle) is an advantage.

·        Interest in bio-based and sustainable materials, functional coatings, and green processing technologies.

Soft skills:

·        Genuine curiosity and scientific enthusiasm.

·        Openness to cross-disciplinary collaboration spanning materials chemistry, surface engineering, and process simulation.

Language skills

·        Fluency in English, both oral and written. Other relevant languages are an asset.

Your LIST benefits

·        An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·        Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·        Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·        An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·        Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·        Multicultural and international work environment with more than 60 nationalities represented in our workforce

·        Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·        Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·        32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

Apply online

Your application must include:

·        A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

·        A CV

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.