PhD (f/m/x): Sustainable Biofuel Production with Solar Energy

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; Köln; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 50.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

Join the German Aerospace Center (DLR) as a PhD candidate focused on Sustainable Biofuel Production with Solar Energy. This position involves developing process models and analyzing the feasibility of solar-driven processes for biofuels. You will work in a cutting-edge environment dedicated to innovative energy solutions, contributing to global challenges in sustainability.

Leistungen

Diversity and equal opportunity workplace

Numerous training and development opportunities

Qualifikationen

• Good understanding of biofuel production and biomass processing.
• Independent and structured work approach.
• Basic knowledge of techno-economic assessments.

Aufgaben

• Develop process models for pyrolysis and HTL using relevant tools.
• Identify biomass feedstocks and evaluate system performance.
• Conduct techno-economic analyses and life cycle assessments.

Kenntnisse

Process simulation

Programming

Communication skills in English

Ausbildung

University degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, or similar

Tools

Aspen Plus

Python

Jobbeschreibung

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Apply now PhD (f/m/x): Sustainable Biofuel Production with Solar Energy Job Description Req ID: 1897 Place of work: Köln Starting date: 01.10.2025 Career level: Doctorate Type of employment: Part time Duration of contract: 3 years limited

Remuneration: Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e. V.; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge?Then this is your place!

The vision of the DLR Institute for Future Fuels is to develop technological solutions that enable the cost-effective production of fuels, hydrogen, or even commodities in the sunbelt of the earth on an industrial scale. At the institute, we use our unique infrastructure in which concentrated solar energy covers the heat demand of high-temperature processes.

What to expect

This PhD position focuses on the comparative assessment of two promising thermochemical conversion routes powered by concentrated solar thermal (CST) energy: pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL). You will explore the technical, economic, and environmental implications of using different biomass and waste feedstocks for each process. The goal is to understand which process is more suitable under specific boundary conditions, such as local feedstock availability or solar irradiation, and desired fuel or chemical outputs.

Your tasks

• development of process models for solar-powered pyrolysis and HTL systems using Aspen Plus, Python or similar tools
• identification and modelling of suitable biomass and waste feedstocks for each process based on available experimental data
• evaluation of the influence of solar conditions, biomass availability, geography and end-product targets on system performance
• implementation of techno-economic analyses for both conversion pathways, considering TRL and investment risk, and development of potential business models
• carrying out life cycle assessments under various scenarios to quantify environmental impacts
• derivation of recommendations for optimal system configurations and coordination of raw materials and processes
• supporting the dissemination of results through scientific publications, conferences, and project reports

Your profile

• university degree in process engineering, chemical engineering, bioprocess engineering, environmental engineering, or similar
• experience in process simulation, preferably with Aspen Plus
• experience in programming, preferably Python
• basic knowledge about techno-economic and life cycle assessments
• basic knowledge about biofuel production or biomass processing
• independent and structured way of working
• excellent communication skills in English

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 13 depending on qualifications and assigned tasks.

We offer

DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy ID 1897) please contact:

Enric Prats Salvadó
Tel.: [phone]

Apply now

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