Internship | Seed layers for copper plating integration in hybrid & printed electronics

Holst Centre is a leading Dutch research institute focused on printed and flexible electronics as well as thin film technology. Founded as a collaboration between TNO and IMEC, it partners with industry and academia to drive innovation in e.g. healthcare, smart environments, semiconductor industry and photonics. In the TNO part of Holst Centre, copper electroplating is being developed as an additional process to be used in combination with hybrid printed electronics, thin film electronics and 3D manufacturing. To improve applications like artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, power chip packages need to be further optimized. Copper electroplating is needed because these chips require large currents and power consumption. To start copper electroplating, a conductive seed layer is required.

Goal of this internship is to characterize various printed inks as potential seed layers for copper electroplating. You will study different kinds of conductive seed layers and get a good understanding of copper electroplating. You will make an experimental setup and work together with Holst Centre employees to print seed layers. You will be responsible for the characterization of these layers by different techniques, e.g. adhesion and conductivity measurements, thickness and surface roughness measurements and exposure to plating chemicals. You will perform the copper plating experiments and the sample characterization afterwards. Apart from the formerly mentioned techniques, we may also use cross sections and SEM for sample analysis.

You are a “hands-on” researcher with strong affinity to practical work and analytical characterisation with the following background:

• Education in physics, chemistry or chemical engineering;
• Practical experience in lab work and analytical characterisation;
• Presentation and discussion of experimental results will be in English.

You want an internship opportunity on the precursor of your career; an internship gives you an opportunity to take a good look at your prospective future employer. TNO goes a step further. It’s not just looking that interests us; you and your knowledge are essential to our innovation. That’s why we attach a great deal of value to your personal and professional development. You will, of course, be properly supervised during your work placement and be given the scope for you to get the best out of yourself. Furthermore, we provide:

• A highly professional, innovative internship environment, within a team of top experts.
• A suitable internship allowance (615 euro for wo-, hbo- and mbo-students, for a full-time internship).
• Possibility of eight hours of free leave per internship month (for a full-time internship).
• A free membership of Jong TNO, where you can meet other TNO professionals and join several activities, such as sports activities, (work-related) courses or the yearly ski-trip.
• Use of a laptop.
• An allowance for travel expenses in case you don’t receive an OV-card.

At TNO, we innovate for a healthier, safer and more sustainable life. And for a strong economy. Since 1932, we have been making knowledge and technology available for the common good. We find each other in wonder and ingenuity. We are driven to push boundaries. There is all the space and support for your talent and ambition. You work with people who will challenge you: who inspire you and want to learn from you. Our state-of-the-art facilities are there to realize your vision. What you do at TNO matters: impact makes the difference. Because with every innovation you contribute to tomorrow’s world. Read more about TNO as an employer.

At TNO we encourage an inclusive work environment, where you can be yourself. Whatever your story and whatever unique qualities you bring to the table. It is by combining our unique strengths and perspectives that we are able to develop innovations that make a real difference in society. Want to know more? Read what steps we are taking in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.

After the first CV selection, the application process will be conducted by the concerning department. TNO will provide a suitable internship agreement. If you have any questions about this vacancy, you can contact the contact person mentioned below.

Important to be aware of before applying:

• Before the start of the internship, the internship agreement from TNO needs to be signed. For students at a college or university based in the Netherlands, TNO uses the UNL-template (supplemented with a number of specific agreements from TNO). For students of foreign and MBO educational institutions, the TNO internship agreement applies. TNO does not sign any other internship agreements.
• Before the start of the internship, the educational institution will need to confirm in writing that:
  • 1) you are enrolled at the educational institution during the internship, and;
  • 2) the internship takes place as part of the programme of the study.
• The confirmation of educational institution takes place by signing the UNL template or forms prepared by TNO.
• Interns at TNO must be in possession of a Dutch residential address at the start of the internship. Performance of internship activities from abroad is not possible.