With more than 120 employees, the Institute of Solar Research conducts research into a sustainable and CO2-free energy supply from solar energy. Our research focuses on concentrating solar technologies that convert sunlight into heat, electricity and fuels. We also conduct research in related areas: We use sensor technology and data analysis to evaluate the energy efficiency of buildings and develop refurbishment strategies. We develop systems for solar power plants and photovoltaic systems to measure and predict solar radiation data. Other important areas of research include the quality assurance of solar thermal power plants and photovoltaic systems and the decarbonisation of the chemical industry. The Sustainable Systems Process Engineering department is dedicated to the transformation of the chemical industry in order to successfully switch from fossil raw materials to renewable energy and material flows. The aim is to identify new sustainable technologies for chemical plants and to develop both scientific findings and practical solutions. To drive the transformation of the chemical industry, our research focuses on several key areas, including system design, process piloting, process intelligence and metrology.

What to expect

Are you enthusiastic about current energy research and would like to make your contribution to climate protection? Are you interested in modeling and statistical methods? Then join our team and work on a cutting-edge research project for the characterization and analysis of processes and plants in the chemical industry. In a variety of projects with partners from science and industry, our group researches methods to increase the efficiency of energy supply and processes in the fields of chemical industry and municipal heat supply. To this end, we develop processes to quickly and precisely analyze the efficiency of existing systems. We use innovative sensor technology, evaluate data sets from a wide variety of sources and apply modern data science methods for statistical analyses and model generation.

Your tasks

You are involved in a joint research project of two DLR institutes. Your central task is to characterize selected processes from the chemical industry. The aim is to develop methods that enable the evaluation of entire processes but also individual components in terms of energy and resource efficiency during operation, and allow a more precise diagnosis of weak points than existing sustainability certificates. In collaboration with other research groups, the results of the process characterization will then be integrated directly into process models via suitable interfaces. With these models, the processes can be simulated and optimized. The methods which are developed on the basis of a specific example process should in principle be applicable to other processes and thus form a basis for the faster recording and optimization of batch processes. In this context, you will also help shape the Institute's new research work on sustainable supply systems and processes in the chemical industry. You will choose the research methods for your work independently in consultation with your supervisor and cooperate with researchers from various institutes and research groups.

Your profile 

• You have a university degree (Master's/Diploma) in engineering (e.g. mechanical/energy/process engineering), physics, chemistry or a comparable subject.
• You have experience with statistical methods of data analysis.   
• You have experience in programming with at least one programming language such as Python
• You communicate both in oral and written form in very good English. Good German language skills are helpful in the daily work and communication with colleagues.
• Previous knowledge in the field of chemical engineering and/or process engineering is an advantage.

We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 526) please contact:

Jana Stengler 
Tel.: +49 711 6862 8238