Master's Thesis \"Production of Building Materials Through CO2 Curing\"

Fraunhofer; Oberhausen; On-site; EUR 10,000 - 15,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Teamwork at eye level

Theory meets practice

Flex work

Students@UMSICHT

Health & well‑being

Job summary

Fraunhofer UMSICHT invites a motivated student to pursue a Master’s thesis on the production of building materials through CO2 curing. You will develop formulations and curing conditions to enable rapid curing while ensuring CO2 diffusion using recycled materials for precast components.

Working in the Carbon Utilization and Mineralization department, you will plan and execute CO2 curing tests, analyze results, and document outcomes for reporting and further development.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering, materials science and engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geosciences/mineralogy, or a comparable field of study.
• Interest in sustainable building materials, the circular economy, and CO2 mineralization.
• Hands‑on work in the laboratory and pilot plant, with meticulous, independent, and structured approach.
• Ideally some experience with mineral or cement‑bound building materials and in laboratory work.
• Basic knowledge of materials testing, analytical methods, or data analysis.
• Good English skills would be an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Formulation and production of precast components made from recycled materials
• Planning and conducting CO2 curing tests with varying gas concentrations and curing times
• Investigating the effect of CO2 curing on CO2 diffusion, carbonation, and material properties
• Conducting and evaluating laboratory and material analyses
• Documenting, processing, and presenting the results

Skills

Sustainability interest

Laboratory work

Material testing

Analytical methods

Education

Master student in civil engineering, materials science and engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geosciences/mineralogy, or comparable field

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Master's Thesis "Production of Building Materials Through CO2 Curing"

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!

The “Carbon Utilization and Mineralization” department develops processes for the recycling of mineral building materials and the permanent sequestration of CO2 in the form of carbonates. In the ZEROES project, precast components are manufactured from recycled materials and cured under real-world conditions using mixed gases containing CO2. The goal of your master’s thesis will be to develop suitable formulations and curing conditions that enable rapid curing while ensuring good CO2 diffusion.

Be part of change

• Formulation and production of precast components made from recycled materials
• Planning and conducting CO2 curing tests with varying gas concentrations and curing times
• Investigating the effect of CO2 curing on CO2 diffusion, carbonation, and material properties
• Conducting and evaluating laboratory and material analyses
• Documenting, processing, and presenting the results

What you contribute

• Currently pursuing a master’s degree in civil engineering, materials science and engineering, environmental engineering, chemical engineering, geosciences/mineralogy, or a comparable field of study
• Interest in sustainable building materials, the circular economy, and CO2 mineralization
• Interest in hands‑on work in the laboratory and pilot plant, as well as a meticulous, independent, and structured approach to work
• Ideally, some experience working with mineral or cement‑bound building materials and in laboratory work
• Basic knowledge of materials testing, analytical methods, or data analysis
• 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:
Michael Prokein, [phone]

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Emily Kirchhoff, [phone], [e-mail]

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding this position:
Sascha Rollka, [phone], [e-mail]

Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology UMSICHT