The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our around 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economical, safe and socially fair energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global cooperation, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.


For our “Sustainable Synthesis Products - Separation and Production” group, we are looking for a student assistant with the opportunity to write a Bachelor's or Master's thesis on the topic of “Sorptive separation of water for process intensification of P2X processes” starting November 1, 2024 or later.

Would you like to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and write your thesis in this area? With us you will find the experts and the environment to realize these goals. The “Sustainable Synthesis Products - Separation and Production” group deals with the conversion of “green” hydrogen from renewable electricity into liquid energy carriers (“e-fuels”) and chemicals. Novel process concepts for increasing the process efficiency and cost-effectiveness of power-to-X processes play a central role here. The sorptive separation of synthesis products in the reactor is particularly promising in order to avoid chemical equilibrium. This separation can increase the conversion in the reactor, lower the synthesis pressures and temperatures and increase the process efficiency. Possible syntheses include C02 hydrogenation reactions such as methanol synthesis, which produce water as a by-product that can be separated.


The focus of the thesis will be the investigation of water adsorption under reaction conditions. In addition to experimental investigations on the automated plant, the data obtained will be evaluated and described mathematically. Suitable sorbents should be selected in a preceding literature research.

What you will do

• Your tasks will include the preparation, execution and follow-up of sorption experiments.
• You will analyze the sorbents using various methods (e.g. N2 adsorption, electron microscope, EDX, XRF).
• You will modify the system with the guidance of your colleagues if we notice optimization potential.
• You will model the results and create isotherm models for the sorption capacities and models for the sorption kinetics.
• You will present the results to your project team and discuss possible next steps.

What you bring to the table

• You are enrolled as a student of chemical engineering, process engineering, energy engineering, environmental engineering or similar and would like to complete your studies with a thesis.
  
• You have good specialist knowledge in the field of thermal process engineering and reaction engineering.
  
• You have a good basic technical understanding and an affinity for laboratory work and the subsequent evaluation of data.
  
• You are highly independent and motivated to take on new tasks.
  
• It is important to you to get involved in your team and to achieve goals together in interdisciplinary cooperation. You find it easy to establish and maintain trusting contacts. You formulate your ideas clearly and listen attentively to others.
  
• You have already successfully demonstrated your good written and spoken English skills.
  
  

What you can expect

• Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
  
• Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
  
• Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
  
• Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
  
• Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
  
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
  
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for diversity.
  
• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties, such as the hiking day.
  
  

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant is agreed. Remuneration is based on the level of your university degree.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply online now with your detailed application documents (including cover letter, CV, reference/performance record). We look forward to getting to know you!

Questions about this position will be answered by:
Benedikt Steinbach
benedikt.steinbach@ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

Requisition Number: 75691