Internship in Stretchable Electronics & Optics for Artificial Skin Demonstrators - 4 to 6 months

Institut Mines-Télécom; Gardanne; On-site; EUR 5,500 - 8,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on request for disabled

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion policy

Job summary

Mines Saint-Étienne is inviting an intern to work in the Microelectronics and flexible electronics department on soft electronics for eskin applications. You will join a project focused on stretchable waveguides, 660m2 platform labs, and integration of optical components with rigorous experimental methods.

You will use Python for characterization, perform hands-on lab work in a clean room, and contribute to novel device demonstrations with potential societal impact.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of electronic design and circuitry is highly appreciated.
• Autonomous, curious and passionate about technological innovation.
• Strong interest in practical work with rigorous scientific approach.
• Knowledge in bioelectronics is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Fabrication and characterization of stretchable optical waveguides for sensing.
• Update characterization setup; Python and electronics (Arduino & Raspberry Pi) knowledge is important.
• Integrate optically pressure or temperature sensitive material into elastomer waveguides.
• Characterize complete devices and demonstrators in lab and clean room.

Skills

Python

Electronic design

Education

Master or engineering degree

Tools

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Job description

Joining Mines Saint-Étienne means committing to an institution where science and innovation build a more sustainable future. It is a school of excellence where everyone has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and contribute to tackling the challenges of tomorrow.

Ranked among the top engineering schools in France and recognized worldwide, our school, a member of the Institut Mines-Télécom, educates the talents of tomorrow while actively addressing major industrial, digital, and environmental challenges. By joining us, you become part of a community of 500 members of staff, 2,500 students and take part in an ambitious project: combining academic excellence, cutting‑edge research, and positive societal impact.

The Institut Mines-Télécom brings together France’s leading Grandes Ecoles to tackle major industrial, digital, energy, and environmental challenges. With its eight public Grandes Écoles and two affiliated Graduate Schools, it is the leading public institute dedicated to engineers and managers. Together, we imagine and build a sustainable future by educating the leaders who will shape tomorrow’s transitions.

What we expect from you?

As an intern, you will perform innovation and research activities in the field of soft electronics for eskin applications. Within this centre of Microelectronics and the flexible electronics department, you will combine your passion for science and for societal impact.

The flexible electronics department develops technological and scientific knowledge in the field of soft electronics. The department has a strong knowledge in the field of material and interface electrical and mechanical characterization. The activities of the department are regrouped in the 660m2-area platform. This technological platform regroups facilities and technological equipment for R&D activities in Micropackaging, micro and nano-electronics, in a clean room of 220m² 1000-class and 400m² 10000-class.

Stretchable electronics can also be declined with optical systems such as waveguides. These devices will be developed within the project in order to create an artificial skin with pressure and temperature sensing capabilities.

Within this project, our work will focus on the fabrication and characterization of stretchable optical waveguides as well as fabrication and integration techniques of optical components (LEDs / Photodiodes). Related publication is “Transparent, Optical, Pressure‑Sensitive Artificial Skin for Large‑Area Stretchable Electronics” https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201200523 .

An important part of the work will be:

• Update our characterization setup è knowledge in Python and electronics (Arduino & Rasperry Pi) is important
• Fabrication and characterization of these waveguide (elastomer) for pressure or temperature sensors applications.
• Integration of optically pressure or temperature sensitive material into the elastomer waveguide
• Characterization of the complete devices.

Fabrication process and experimental setups are already existing. However, knowledges in Python is important in order to use these test benches. Hands‑on lab work is essential, and will be partly performed in our clean room facility.

Demonstrations of radically new devices, possessing features and functions that cannot be achieved with existing electronics would be the exciting outcome of this work.

What we are looking for?

You hold a:

• Master and engineer students in engineering sciences, electronics and embedded systems, material science or a related field.

And you have:

• Basic knowledge of electronic design and circuitry would be highly appreciated
• You should be autonomous, curious, and passionate about technological innovation.
• A strong interest in practical work and experimentation is essential, along with the ability to develop a rigorous scientific approach in the spirit of a "maker" culture.
• Knowledge in bioelectronics is an asset

Why join Mines Saint-Étienne?

We support each of our employees on the path to excellence, with the conviction that together, we can have a lasting and significant impact on our world.

Joining Mines Saint-Etienne is the opportunity to find:

• A stimulating environment: Cutting-edge experimental resources, a welcoming working environment and a solid international network (T.I.M.E., EULIST).
• A real impact: Contractual research projects worth €11 million/year, mainly with industrial partners, A science culture centre, La Rotonde, which has been committed to science outreach for 25 years, welcoming over 50,000 visitors per year.
• 75% of public transportation costs covered (subject to conditions),
• Staff lounge (Sports and cultural activities, employee benefits for leisure and social events)
• 1 day off per month (to be taken subject to the supervisor’s approval)

Application details

• Application deadline : January 10, 2027
• Internship duration : 4 to 6 months
• Start date : beginning in March 2027
• Internship location : Gardanne (13) – France
• Compensation : hourly rate of €4.50 per hour of actual work

This position is open to all, with accommodations available upon request for candidates with disabilities. As part of its Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policy, the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne is an employer committed to ensuring equal treatment of all applicants.

Candidates selected for an interview will be notified as soon as possible.

Contacts

• For the content of the position:
  [Marc Ramuz – Associate Professor
  Mail: [e-mail]
• For HR and administrative aspects:
  Servane ARRES - Gestionnaire RH
• Mail: [e-mail]
  Tel.: [phone]

Liens utiles

• https://www.mines-stetienne.fr/
• https://www.imt.fr/