Vacancy-ID:  847 
Place of work:  Jülich 
Starting date:  01.05.2025 
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis 
Type of employment:  Part time; Full-time 
Duration of contract:  6 months limited 
Remuneration:  Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund)

The Institute of Future Fuels contributes to making renewable resources available to replace fossil resources. We develop solutions for how hydrogen and fuels can be produced cost-effectively on an industrial scale from the raw materials water, CO2 and nitrogen using renewable energies.

What to expect

We have developed a new, particle-based reactor system in which synthesis gas is produced purely thermochemically from water and CO2 with the help of concentrated solar radiation and at temperatures of more than 1400°C. The synthesis gas can then be processed into kerosene or methanol, for example, thus helping to defossilize the aviation and chemical industries.

To design and understand the reactor system, we use numerical simulations, e.g. we simulate the particles with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the interaction with the fluid via a coupling with the CFD code (Computational Fluid Dynamics) OpenFOAM. We model solar radiation, chemical reactions and heat and mass transfer. We offer you the opportunity to write your thesis as part of our team in this area. Depending on your interests and the constraints of your studies, we can focus your work on modeling, design or experimental validation of the simulations. We are also flexible when it comes to time frames, just get in touch!

Your tasks

•    You will first familiarize yourself with solar-thermochemical cycles and the discrete element method (DEM)
•    You will then simulate the particle movement in a thermochemical reactor and create a model for this in the software LIGGGHTS
•    Depending on the focus of the work, you will investigate the interaction with the fluid (coupling with OpenFOAM, existing simulations serve as a template) or carry out small experiments to validate the particle simulations (e.g. in 3D-printed structures)

•    You investigate the influence of certain parameters (e.g. geometries, mass flows)
•    You will document and present your work in short monthly presentations and through your final thesis

Your profile

•    You are studying in the technical or scientific field, e.g. mechanical engineering, physics, energy technology, simulation technology, or similar
•    You like to describe physical processes mathematically and solve the resulting models numerically (ideally you already have experience with fluid simulations)
•    You are used to working in a structured and independent manner as well as in a team
•    You are driven by continuous improvement and are interested in learning new things
•    You have good written and spoken English language skills to communicate with international colleagues and read English publications

Remuneration is up to the German TVöD 5 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 847) please contact:

Martina Neises-von Puttkamer 
Tel.: +49 2461 93730 314