Master Thesis – Sustainable Coating Layer for Recycling Electronic Components (all genders) // Job-ID: 156-0

Temporary, Full-time · VILLACH

Your future responsibilities

The rapid growth of electronic devices has intensified the need for sustainable materials and manufacturing processes to tackle the rising challenge of electronic waste. At SAL, we are committed to developing innovative recycling strategies for conductive materials used in printed electronics to contribute to a circular economy.
The aim of this project is to create a dissolvable coating to aid reclamation and recycling of metal inks in printed electronics. The approach emphasizes using renewable resources, eliminating toxic chemicals, and advancing eco-friendly recycling methods.

Perform literature review (scientific articles, patents, etc.)
Develop and test a dissolvable coating for electronic devices.
Support the development of a recycling method for conductive materials with enhanced sustainability.
Conduct laboratory and printing tasks relevant to the project’s experimental goals.
Evaluate the electrical and mechanical effects of the developed coating within the printed electronic system.
Perform data analysis and prepare reports.

Your profile

Master student (enrolled in EU university) in materials science, chemistry, or similar fields.
Experience with laboratory experimental setups (printed electronics and/or sensors a plus).
Experience with data processing and evaluation.
Autonomy and reporting skills.
Collaboration, teamwork, and eagerness to learn.
Good communication skills in English.

Important Facts about SAL

Preferred start: February 2025.
Duration: 6-9 months.
Diversified research activities with plenty of technical challenges.
State-of-the-art lab facilities and instruments.
Location in the heart of Europe in Austria – relocation support for non-European nationalities.
Home office in Austria (max. 40%) and work from anywhere in the European Union possible (< 25%).
€ 4 per day food allowance in restaurants or € 2 per day in supermarkets.
Family & kids friendly.
“Vital4SAL” to promote a healthy workplace (e.g. SAL coaching pool, trainings on mental health, physical activities, healthy snacks, 24/7 accident insurance)
Free coffee/milk/tea & fresh fruits.
Our values: Open door policy, flexibility in working hours, casual dress code, diverse teams, working with people of different nationalities, informal communication, lifelong learning, compatibility of family and career, sustainability, personal growth, and collective advancement.

This position is subject to the Collective Agreement for employees in non-university research (Research CA). For this position, we offer a monthly gross salary of EUR 1.863, paid 14 times a year.

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About us

Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is a top research center for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS). At three locations (Graz, Villach, Linz), SAL is conducting research along the entire ESBS value chain in the areas of sensor systems, power electronics, intelligent wireless systems, microsystems and embedded systems to develop future-oriented solutions for industrial production, health, energy, mobility, safety and more. SAL brings together key players from industry, science and research and thus valuable expertise and know-how and conducts cooperative, application-oriented research along the value chain. Cooperative projects are co-financed by SAL and enable a fast and unbureaucratic project start. SAL is thus shaping the high-tech location Austria and Europe and developing the future

Innovation is our top priority and so are our employees. We are a family-friendly company and support the compatibility of work and family as much as possible. That is why we have been awarded the Work and Family Certificate until 2026. But we are constantly working on new measures to offer our employees an environment where they feel good, healthy and motivated.

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We are looking forward to receiving your application!

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