PhD Student: Control of High-Temperature Solar-Chemical Processes (f/m/d)

German Aerospace Center (DLR); Jülich; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

German Aerospace Center (DLR) seeks a candidate for research in controlling solar-chemical processes at the Institute for Future Fuels. You will model components, develop control strategies and simulate a virtual plant with real prototypes in interdisciplinary, international teams.

The role requires a Master’s in a relevant field, strong academic results, and fluency in English. You will publish findings and contribute to teaching activities during the project.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in control/related field with strong academic record.
• Ability to work independently and in international, interdisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in English, written and spoken.
• Experience in modelling and simulation and at least one programming language.

Responsibilities

• Model process and energy engineering components.
• Develop and implement control concepts for high-temperature solar-chemical processes.
• Carry out operational simulations of a virtual plant with the control system.
• Experimentally demonstrate the control system on real prototypes and adjust sensors/actuators.
• Supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and assist with teaching activities.
• Present findings in publications and at national/international conferences.

Skills

Modeling

Simulation

Programming

Teamwork

Education

Master's degree in control engineering

Master's degree in process engineering

Tools

Modelica

MATLAB

Python

Job description

At the Institute for Future Fuels, we are working on technologies to ensure a sustainable energy supply for industry and transport. As part of this, we are researching and demonstrating processes for the production of fuels and key chemical feedstocks using renewable energy sources.

What To Expect

When scaling up innovative processes for industrial implementation, control and operational management are key aspects. With the integretion of renewable energy technologies, existing operational and control strategies often cannot be applied. This calls for new and innovative approaches. In your dissertation, you will develop and compare control strategies (e.g., model predictive control, reinforcement learning) for various operating scenarios of different processes. You will simulate the operation of selected prototypes and scaled-up plants using the corresponding control systems. To design these, you need to create transient and scalable models of the plant components, e.g., in Modelica, MATLAB, or Python. After the control system works in the simulation environment, you can proceed and demonstrate it on corresponding real-world prototypes that we are building in parallel in interdisciplinary and international teams-for example, a solar-powered synthesis gas production plant, a metal scrap melting plant, or a solar-powered high-temperature electrolysis plant.

Your tasks

• You will model process and energy engineering components
• You will develop and implement control concepts for high-temperature solar-chemical processes
• You will carry out operational simulations of a virtual plant with the corresponding control system
• You will experimentally demonstrate the control system on real prototypes and, where necessary, adjust the sensors and actuators
• You will supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s theses and assist with teaching activities
• You will present your findings in publications and at national and international conferences

Your profile

• You have successfully completed, or are about to complete, a Master’s degree in control engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, energy engineering or a similar field
• You achieved very good academic results during your studies
• You are independent, have excellent teamwork skills and are looking forward to working in an international and interdisciplinary team
• You can express yourself confidently and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• You have experience in modelling and simulation, and possess knowledge of and practical experience with at least one programming language

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 6612) please contact:

Dr. Johannes Grobbel

Tel.: [phone]