Thesis: "Experimental Study on the Electrochemical Extraction of Lithium"

Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE; Freiburg im Breisgau; Vor Ort; EUR 17.000 - 22.000; Teilzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Flexible hours

Occasional work from home

Research environment

Zusammenfassung

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg im Breisgau invites motivated students to join the Water Treatment and Material Separation group as a student assistant. You will contribute to projects focused on the (re)extraction of lithium from natural aqueous sources, while gaining hands-on experience in electrochemistry and materials processing.

Your tasks include operating, analyzing and evaluating automated lithium extraction processes, deriving and validating physical models

Qualifikationen

• Currently enrolled in process engineering, mechanical engineering, electrochemistry or a related field.
• Experience with Excel and basic data analysis is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in German and English.

Aufgaben

• Work on projects focused on the (re)extraction of lithium from natural aqueous sources.
• Familiarize yourself with lithium extraction and electrochemistry.
• Operate, analyze and evaluate the automated lithium extraction process.
• Derive and validate a physical model by varying process parameters.
• Conduct literature reviews and document results.

Kenntnisse

Process engineering

Mechanical engineering

Electrochemistry

German & English

Tools

Excel

Origin

Word

Jobbeschreibung

As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our :1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the‑art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting‑edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

Would you like to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and gain practical experience while you’re still in school? With us, you’ll help make this goal a reality. Together, we plan, build, and operate systems for the recovery of high‑purity metals from aqueous solutions. To this end, the “Water Treatment and Material Separation” group has access to an extensive laboratory infrastructure equipped with state‑of-the‑art process technology. In addition, we have access to the institute’s full range of resources across all teams. Our group is currently pursuing a novel approach to selective ion extraction and is already conducting experimental process studies using a dedicated laboratory setup.

To support our “Water Treatment and Material Separation” group, we are seeking a student assistant to begin immediately, with the opportunity to write a bachelor's or master's thesis, to perform the following tasks:

• You will work on scientific projects focused on the (re)extraction of lithium from natural aqueous sources.
• You will familiarize yourself with the fields of lithium extraction and electrochemistry.
• You will operate, analyze, and evaluate the automated process of electrochemical lithium extraction.
• The goal of your work is to derive and validate a physical model by varying process parameters.
• Your responsibilities will include conducting literature reviews and documenting your results.

What You Contribute

• You are studying process engineering, mechanical engineering, (electro)chemistry, or a comparable technical or scientific field.
• Knowledge of water treatment and electrochemistry is a plus, but not required.
• You can plan upcoming tasks independently and proactively and have good time management skills.
• You enjoy conducting experiments in a laboratory.
• Ideally, you have already worked with Excel, Word, and Origin.
• You can express yourself confidently in both German and English.

What We Offer

Exclusive insights:

By working together with the scientists in our department, you will gain insights into the day‑to‑day research and development work at a research institute.

Laboratory infrastructure:

At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state‑of‑the‑art equipment and devices so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology. (Achtung: nur nutzen, wenn die Stelle Laborbezug hat!)

Research mix:

You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, thus applying and expanding the knowledge you gained during your studies.

Supervision:

You will be supervised by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.

Teamwork:

You will gain experience in working in a team with our scientific and student staff and can contribute the experience you have already gained.

Working hours and location:

We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs and to occasionally work from home.

Equal opportunities:

We value equal opportunities and embrace diversity.

After work:

Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after‑work events or our annual employee parties.

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant will be established. The remuneration for this is based on the degree of the academic qualification.

We value and promote the diversity of skills among our employees and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, and sexualorientation and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:

Paul-Louis Wöhrlin

[phone]

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de