City:  Freiburg
Date:  Jul 13, 2026

Student Assistant "Energy Balancing"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 30 000 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 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

You wish to play an active role in shaping the energy transformation and be part of a highly motivated team? Then join us in advancing Agri-PV!

Under the term Agri-PV, our group investigates a new form of photovoltaic systems that enables agricultural use of the same land area in addition to electricity generation. In doing so, we aim primarily to promote the resource-efficient use of agricultural land and to unlock expansion potential for renewable energy sources. With us, you will contribute to achieving this goal. Together, we conduct research on topics such as the shade tolerance of crops, intelligent light management, synergy effects through dual land use, potential political support mechanisms, and technical and economic potential assessments.

To support our project PV-GreenerHHouse in the “Agri-Photovoltaics” group, we are looking for a student assistant at the earliest possible date for the following tasks:

  • You will model the energy flows of the greenhouse, including heat, electricity, and PV yield, using Python-based simulation tools.
  • You will develop and compare scenarios for renewable energy supply, ranging from heat pumps and geothermal energy to seasonal heat storage systems.
  • You will support the creation of graphics and presentations.
  • You will help refine studies and reports by preparing graphical content as well as proofreading and correcting spelling.
  • You will conduct literature and data research on economic, political, and technical questions.

 

What you contribute

  • You are studying energy engineering, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, Sustainable Systems Engineering, renewable energy, physics, computer science, or a comparable field.
  • You are familiar with thermodynamics and energy balancing.
  • You have already gained experience with technical-scientific simulation or modelling.
  • You have a basic understanding of renewable energy systems and/or thermal engineering.
  • Ideally, you have already worked with open-source or licensed software for energy system design and energy balancing.
  • You value contributing to your team and working together to achieve shared goals.
  • You plan upcoming tasks independently and proactively, set priorities and complete tasks responsibly and to a high standard.
  • You have very good written and spoken German and English skills.

 

What we offer

  • Exclusive insight: In collaborative work with the scientists of our unit, you gain an insight into the everyday life of research and development at a research institute.
  • Research mix: With us, you have the opportunity to connect experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from your studies.
  • Supervision: You will be mentored by scientists in your work, and you will receive feedback on your progress.
  • Teamwork: Through exchange with scientific and student staff, you gain experience working in a team and can contribute your already acquired skills.
  • Working hours and location: We offer you the option to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs in consultation, and occasionally work from home.
  • Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and create space for diversity.
  • After Work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual staff celebrations.

 

The remuneration depends on the level of university education attained.

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.

Ready for a change? Then apply now with your compelling application documents (including CV, cover letter, and references/performance records) and make a difference! After your online application is received, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment. We will get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how the process continues. 

 

Questions about this position can be answered for you by:
Karim Fahmy 
karim.fahmy@ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE 

www.ise.fraunhofer.de 

 

Requisition Number: 84971               

 


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