PhD Student in Material Science for Sustainable Electronics

Facing the challenges of our time
Help us grow and be more impactful
Our
"Integrated & Wireless Systems" Business Unit
based in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, is currently looking for a
PhD student in Sustainable Smart Ear-Tags
for Livestock Localisation and Monitoring.

Your mission
Join our innovative team at CSEM and contribute to the European FERNS Doctoral Network (Holistic integration of eco-Friendly design tools and materials, fabrication technologies for the responsible co-creation of future sustainable integrated electronic systems – Grant agreement

You will design and prototype next-generation, eco-designed livestock ear-tags ("FarmTag") that enable localisation, classification, and health monitoring of animals.

Your research will combine modular electronics, hybrid-printing processes, and energy-aware embedded computing to develop smart, low-impact devices that respond to the needs of sustainable farming.

This PhD studentship is for 3 years,
hosted at CSEM in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, with the doctoral degree awarded by University College Cork (UCC, Ireland) through the Tyndall National Institute.

The successful candidate is expected
to begin the programme before April 2026
.

Before applying, please check the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network eligibility criteria here: Marie Curie Doctoral Researchers – FERNS project - Tyndall National Institute - Excellence in ICT Research

Available PhD position at CSEM
Doctoral Researcher 3 (DR3) will focus on the development and integration of sustainable materials into hybrid-manufactured systems, targeting smart ear-tags for livestock localisation and monitoring.

The project combines materials formulation, printing process development, and eco-design approaches to create devices that are functional, durable, and recyclable.

Key objectives include:

• Eco-design and system-level architecture of sustainable smart ear-tags.
• Selection and integration of biopolymers and biodegradable substrates for flexible and printed electronic components.
• Process development and hybrid manufacturing combining additive techniques (printing, laser structuring, embedding).
• Integration of functional layers such as sensors, energy storage, and antennas using compatible sustainable materials.
• Prototype fabrication, laboratory validation, and documentation of manufacturing methodologies.

The outcome will be validated ear-tag prototypes capable of monitoring animal ID, position, and health parameters, produced through environmentally friendly processes.

Your Responsibilities

• Conduct materials-focused research into biodegradable and printable substrates, inks, and encapsulants for hybrid integration.
• Develop and optimize additive and laser-based fabrication processes for integrating electronic and sensing components.
• Characterize mechanical, electrical, and environmental stability of developed materials and devices.
• Collaborate with FERNS partners on hybrid manufacturing workflows and material compatibility studies.
• Participate in planned secondments:Teagasc (Ireland, M12): Exposure to farming practices and real-world livestock management needs.Tyndall National Institute (Ireland, M13-22): Development and integration of bioplastics and temperature sensors for ear-tags.
• Comply with CSEM's quality management and health & safety standards.Disseminate research results through scientific publications, project reports, and conference presentations.
• Engage in professional training, outreach, and knowledge transfer activities within the FERNS network.

Your profile
Know-how

• Master's degree (or equivalent) in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Strong motivation to work on sustainable and biodegradable materials for printed or flexible electronics.
• Background in materials formulation, thin-film processing, or hybrid manufacturing is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with characterization techniques (microscopy, spectroscopy, mechanical/electrical testing) is an advantage.
• Interest in eco-design, circular economy principles, and integration of materials into functional electronic systems.
• Team-oriented and willing to collaborate across disciplines (materials, electronics, life sciences).
• Good communication skills in English (spoken and written).

Interpersonal Skills

• Natural curiosity and ability to adapt to new situations.
• Autonomous and hands-on, motivated in playing a key role in the development of innovative solutions.
• Open-minded attitude and well-developed team-spirit.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Fulfil the MSCA Doctoral Network mobility rule: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment.

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

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.