Master's Thesis \"AI-powered formulation development for a PLA-based plastic\"

Fraunhofer; Oberhausen; Hybrid; EUR 13,000 - 17,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Teamwork at eye level

Theory meets practice

Flex work

Students@UMSICHT onboarding

Job summary

Fraunhofer UMSICHT invites applications for a Master’s Thesis on AI-powered formulation development for PLA-based plastics. In the Circular and Bio-based Plastics department, you will work on data-driven formulation and processing optimization, using Gaussian processes and Bayesian optimization to accelerate development.

The project covers literature review, data curation, ML model development, and experimental validation of proposed formulations, under supervision by experienced researchers.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of the Python programming language.
• Interest in data-driven methods and a willingness to learn Python-based ML tools.
• Basic knowledge of polymer processing and materials characterization is desirable.
• Good English skills would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Literature Review and State of the Art related to PLA compounds and Bayesian optimization.
• Data Preparation and Analysis of existing datasets for formulation and processing parameters.
• Model Development of ML surrogates to predict material properties.
• Bayesian optimization to derive improved formulation and process proposals.
• Experimental validation and evaluation of model predictions with measurements.

Skills

Python basics

English skills

Willingness to learn

Polymer processing knowledge

Education

Materials science / polymer engineering / chemical engineering (or comparable field)

Tools

Python-based ML tools

Job description

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Master's Thesis "AI-powered formulation development for a PLA-based plastic"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ( www.fraunhofer.com ) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

We want an earth that is worth living on. Our applied research in Circular Economy, Carbon Management, Green Hydrogen and Local Energy Systems makes concrete contributions to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As an institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we show how to not only master challenges, but grow with them. We push boundaries, think ahead and shape the future with applied research. Diverse perspectives and approaches strengthen creativity and innovation in our scientific work.

Would you like to help us shape a sustainable world? We are looking for reinforcement!

In the department “Circular and Bio-based Plastics”, we develop customized bio-based plastics for a wide range of applications. Polylactide (PLA) is one of the most promising bio-based and biodegradable thermoplastics for engineering applications and packaging. Tailoring the property profile requires careful optimization of the compound formulation and processing conditions. Data-driven artificial intelligence approaches make it possible to derive optimal formulation-process combinations from existing experimental data, thereby significantly reducing development effort.

Be part of change

• Literature Review and State of the Art: Familiarization with the state of the art regarding PLA compounds, materials informatics, and Bayesian optimization for formulation problems
• Data Preparation and Analysis: Review, cleaning, and structuring of existing datasets (formulation components, process parameters, material properties), including identification of relevant influencing factors
• Model Development as a Surrogate Model: Development of ML models (e.g., Gaussian process regression) to predict material properties as a function of formulation and process parameters
• Multi-criteria optimization: Implementation of a Bayesian optimization strategy using an open-source framework, including the definition of objective functions and constraints to derive concrete, improved formulation and process proposals
• Experimental validation and evaluation: Production of selected compounds proposed by the model, materials characterization, comparison of measured properties with model predictions, as well as critical evaluation and derivation of recommendations for further use

What you contribute

• Studies in materials science, polymer engineering, chemical engineering, or a comparable field of study
• Basic knowledge of the Python programming language
• Interest in data-driven methods and a willingness to learn Python-based ML tools
• Basic knowledge of polymer processing and materials characterization is desirable
• Good English skills would be an advantage

What we offer

We are committed to creating an inspiring working environment in which all employees can develop. To this end, we promote and value the uniqueness of each person and create a culture of respect, openness and appreciation in which everyone is welcome:

• Teamwork at eye level: an open-minded team in which you can contribute your own ideas. New Work, diversity and inclusion as well as cooperative teamwork are central components of our culture.
• Theory meets practice: The opportunity to combine your knowledge from your studies with practical experience at the interface between business and science.
• Flex work: Your studies have priority - we offer you flexible working hours that adapt to your everyday study routine.
• Students@UMSICHT: Comprehensive onboarding, good support and networking opportunities as well as versatile support for your career development through training and keynote speeches.
• Health & well-being: Health offers for a good balance in everyday life.

Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

Diversity & equal opportunities:

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 people are given preference if they are equally suitable.

We are continuously working to make the application process and our workplaces more accessible. If you need support, please get in touch - we're here to help!

Contact
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this position:
Jürgen Stein, [phone]
Astrid Wessel, [phone]
If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Emily Kirchhoff, [phone], [e-mail]

If you have any questions about accessibility and workplace design, please contact our representative for severely disabled employees:

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT