Student Assistant / Master Thesis - GIS-Based High-Resolution Urban Mapping

Fraunhofer Karriere; Arkansas; On-site; USD 13,969 - 20,318; Full time

Job summary

Fraunhofer IBP in Germany seeks a motivated student to bridge physics-based climate models with GIS-driven biometeorological mapping.

You will use QGIS/UMEP and Python to downscale outputs into high-resolution maps, supporting analysis of pedestrian thermal comfort in varied urban geometries across test sites Berlin, Barcelona, and Montreal.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in Geoinformatics, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, Meteorology or similar disciplines.
• Proficiency in QGIS and UMEP toolset (or strong willingness to learn).
• Experience with Python for processing geospatial data (or strong willingness to learn).
• Understanding of urban biometeorology (PET/UTCI) and energy balance principles.
• Ability to work independently on complex data integration tasks.

Responsibilities

• Run urban climate simulations using WRF and/or SUECM for test sites Berlin, Barcelona, and Montreal.
• Generate high-resolution MRT and solar potential maps via UMEP in QGIS or Python.
• Develop data exchange protocols between simulation outputs and GIS-ready formats.
• Integrate WRF/SUECM data with UMEP to assess pedestrian thermal comfort in urban geometries.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses on how urban geometry affects thermal comfort.

Skills

Python

QGIS

UMEP tools

Geospatial data processing

Autonomy

Education

Geoinformatics student

Environmental Engineering student

Tools

QGIS plugins

Python geospatial scripting

Job description

While urbanized mesoscale models or offline urban canopy models provide computationally efficient estimates of urban climate, they often lack the spatial granularity needed for site-specific urban design. We aim to bridge this gap by using QGIS/UMEP tools to downscale low-resolution simulation outputs into 2D and 3D maps of environmental variables. We are looking for a motivated student to develop a workflow that links physics-based climate models with GIS-driven biometeorological mapping.

Be part of change

• Run urban climate simulations using the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and/or the Standalone Urban Energy/Climate Model (SUECM) for test sites Berlin, Barcelona, and Montreal.
• Utilize UMEP plugins in QGIS or Python-Implementations to generate high-resolution maps of Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and solar potential.
• Develop standardized data exchange protocols between simulation outputs and GIS-ready spatial formats.
• Integrate WRF/SUECM data with the UMEP plugins to assess pedestrian thermal comfort in complex urban geometries.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses on how urban geometry affects thermal comfort.

What You Contribute

• Enrollment in Geoinformatics, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, Meteorology, Building Physics or similar disciplines.
• Proficiency in QGIS and the UMEP toolset (or a strong willingness to learn).
• Experience with Python, particularly for processing geospatial and raster data (or a strong willingness to learn).
• Understanding of urban biometeorology (PET/UTCI) and energy balance principles.
• Ability to work independently on complex data integration tasks.

What We Offer

• A research-focused role (6-12 months, or longer) contributing to an international project.
• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge GIS tools for urban climate resilience.
• Supervision from experts in urban physics, meteorology and geoinformatics.
• Access to a collaborative platform linking Fraunhofer IBP in Germany and Concordia University in Canada.

Qualifications

Remuneration according to Research assistant pay (dependent on qualifications).

The weekly working time is at least 5 hours. This position is limited, an extension possible.

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 persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities. Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

Dr. Afshin Afshari

Phone: [phone]

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP

www.ibp.fraunhofer.de