Thesis \"Simulation of Dynamic Methanol Synthesis from CO₂ and Hydrogen\"

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS; Freiburg im Breisgau; Hybrid; EUR 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Occasional home office

Job summary

Fraunhofer ISE invites a student assistant to join the Synthesis Products: Separation Processes and Production Technologies group starting 01.02.2027 to work on Power-to-Liquids concepts. You will perform a literature review and familiarize yourself with reaction engineering, thermodynamics, and the MATLAB reactor model.

You will model operating strategies for dynamic methanol synthesis, evaluate results, and, if possible, consider economics.

Qualifications

• Literature review in reaction engineering and process engineering fundamentals.
• Familiarity with MATLAB and reactor modeling is advantageous.
• Proposed study in process engineering or chemical engineering fields.
• Proficiency in German or English for communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature review and familiarize with reaction and process engineering fundamentals.
• Learn the MATLAB reactor model and assist in dynamic methanol synthesis simulations.
• Model operating strategies and evaluate simulation results.
• Optionally consider economic aspects and present findings within the group.
• Support the thesis writing and group discussions.

Skills

Literature review

MATLAB

Reaction engineering

Thermodynamics

German/English communication

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

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Thesis "Simulation of Dynamic Methanol Synthesis from CO₂ and Hydrogen"

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.

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 technologicalsolutions 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 actively help shape the energy transition and write your thesis in this field? With us, you will find the experts and the environment to make these goals a reality.

You will support our group “Synthesis Products: Separation Processes and Production Technologies,” which works on the Power-to-Liquids concept—i.e., the conversion of “green” hydrogen from renewable electricity into sustainable energy carriers, chemicals, and fuels. In addition to efficient transport and storage properties, liquid energy carriers offer the opportunity to create an alternative to fossil energy sources, including in sectors that depend on carbon-based fuels. To enable the energy-efficient and economic production of sustainable synthesis products, our group investigates innovative process concepts based on CO₂ and hydrogen in laboratory and pilot-scale facilities.

For our group “Synthesis Products: Separation Processes and Production Technologies,” we are looking for a student assistant as of 01.02.2027 with the opportunity to write a thesis for the following tasks:

• You will work in a dynamic team of students and engineers.
• Your tasks will initially include a literature review and familiarization with the fundamentals of reaction engineering and process engineering.
• You will familiarize yourself with the MATLAB software and the existing reactor model.
• You will model various operating strategies for dynamic methanol synthesis.
• You will evaluate the investigated processes based on your simulation results.
• Optionally, you will also consider economic aspects.
• You will present your results within our group and optionally summarize them in your thesis.

What you contribute

• You are studying process engineering, chemical engineering, or a comparable field.
• You have knowledge of process engineering, ideally in thermodynamics and reaction engineering.
• Experience with the simulation of process engineering processes is an advantage but not strictly required.
• You work independently and with commitment.
• Routine use of Microsoft Office is a given for you.
• You can express yourself confidently in German or 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 aresearch 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 latesttechnology.
Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, thus applying and expanding the knowledge you gained during yourstudies.
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:

[phone]

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE