Thesis "Extraction of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids Using Membrane Distillation"

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society – more precisely: 32 000 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

Would you like to actively shape the energy transition and conduct your thesis in this field? At our organization, you’ll find the experts and environment needed to realize these goals.

You would support our group “Water Treatment and Substance Separation” by contributing to the recovery of resources from wastewater treatment plants and industrial effluents using innovative technologies - thereby enabling the reuse of liquid process streams.

Within the publicly funded project BEFUEL, a bioelectrochemical system is being developed to produce acids and/or alcohols with long chains, i.e., with 6 to 8 carbon atoms (C6 or C8), using renewable energy and carbon dioxide (CO2) from exhaust gases as a C1 resource. These extended carbon acids can be used as fuels with a high energy density, which is 30 to 40% higher than that of ethanol, already mixed with gasoline today.

For our team "Water Treatment and Substance Separation," we are looking for a student assistant to begin as soon as possible, with the opportunity to write a thesis, for the following tasks:

You will delve into the fundamentals of osmotic membrane distillation.
After your initial training, you will handle modifications and commissioning of a test rig to investigate membrane-based extraction processes at our pilot site in Dinslaken-Walsum and supervise the trials.
Your focus will be on the extraction of medium-chain fatty acids C6 and C8, taking into account various parameters such as temperature, pH value, and concentration.
You will document, evaluate all measurement data, and analyze the results in reports and a final thesis.

What you contribute

You are studying biotechnology, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or a related field.
You have already gained experience in laboratory analytics and experimentation.
Knowledge of membrane technology is an advantage, but not required.
It is important to you to contribute to your team and to achieve goals together, including through interdisciplinary collaboration.
You plan and complete tasks independently and to a high standard.
When faced with challenges, you are persistent and do not give up until you achieve the desired results.
You express your ideas clearly and listen attentively to others.
You work independently and with commitment.
You have good time management skills.
You are proficient in using MS Excel.
Ideally, you have already worked with various analytical methods.
You have excellent German language skills and have already demonstrated your good command of English.

What we offer

Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our unit, you will gain an inside look into the daily life of research and development at a research institute.
Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, enabling research projects to be conducted using the latest technology.
Research mix: With us, you have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, allowing you to apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
Supervision: You will be supported by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.
Teamwork: Through interaction with scientific and student staff, you will gain experience in teamwork and can contribute your existing experience.
Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs in consultation, and to occasionally work from home.
Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.
After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual staff 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.

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 will gladly be answered by:

Rebecca Schwantes-Chavan

+49 761 4588-5884

rebecca.schwantes-chavan@ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 84517 Application Deadline:

Job Segment: R&D Engineer, Research Assistant, Sustainability, Wastewater, Water Treatment, Engineering, Research, Energy

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