Do you care for our future? Do you think that sustainability must be a foundation of today’s digital society? Are you interested in advanced materials, laser processing, and sustainable electronics? Do you enjoy working in a dynamic and innovative research environment?

We are looking for a Master of Science student to join the BioGraph project for a master thesis at RISE.

Background
BioGraph is an ongoing RISE initiative that explores laser-induced graphitisation (LIG) as a method for converting sustainable, bio-based materials into electrically conductive carbon structures. The project aims to create new pathways for eco-friendly raw materials, such as, graphite, reducing reliance on fossil-based materials while enabling scalable, low-energy production techniques.

The work is carried out in collaboration between RISE department Smart Hardware, RISE Bioeconomy groups and the Digital Cellulose Center (DCC) – a VINNOVA competence center that connects academia and industry to advance sustainable digital materials and devices for the next generation of green electronics.

Welcome to RISE Smart Hardware in Norrköping. In close collaboration with RISE Bioeconomy in Stockholm, we offer you the opportunity to perform your thesis within our multidisciplinary R&D environment TechMark Arena 2026. You will be part of an active research team at RISE and and affiliated organizations. Most of the practical work will take place in our Printed Electronics Arena (PEA) facility (www.printedelectronicsarena.com) in Norrköping.

Project Research Topics
Laser-induced graphitisation (LIG) is a promising technique that uses focused laser energy to locally convert carbon-containing biomaterials (such as cellulose, or lignin) into conductive graphitic patterns. This process has applications in batteries, sensors, flexible circuits, and bioelectronics.

The BioGraph project investigates:

• Optimization of LIG parameters (laser wavelength, pulse duration, scanning speed) for different biomaterials
• Characterization of the resulting carbon structures (morphology, conductivity)

Project Activities
This master thesis will include:

• Literature survey
• Understanding fundamentals of laser-material interaction and biomaterial processing
• Experimental design and laser-induced graphitisation of selected bio-based materials
• Structural and electrical characterization
• Data analysis and process optimization
• Documentation and presentation of results to internal and external audiences

Student Profile

You are an MSc student in materials science, physics, chemistry, electronics engineering, or a related discipline. You should be curious, hands-on, and motivated to explore the intersection between sustainable materials and advanced manufacturing. Experience with biobased materials, lasers, materials characterization, or printed electronics is advantageous.

Excellent written and spoken English skills are required; Swedish is a plus.

Terms
Credits: 30 points
Compensation: 30 000 SEK after project completion and approval.

Location and Start Date
Location: RISE Smart Hardware, Södragrytsgatan 4, Norrköping.
Start date: January 2026.

Supervisory Team at RISE
Main supervisor: Hjalmar Granberg; Co-supervisors: Subimal Majee & Jesper Edberg

Interested? Send in your application (CV and motivation letter) no later than 27 November 2025.

Keywords: Master Thesis, RISE, BioGraph, Laser-Induced Graphitisation, Sustainable Materials, Biobased materials, Printed Electronics, Green Technology