We are offering an exciting PhD thesis on the topic:

PhD Position - Resources of the Energy Transition: Innovative Process Routes for Replacing Material Flows in Fossil-Based Energy Systems

titel

The success of the energy transition is essential for our future. To support this energy scenarios can help to develop strategies for decision-making already at an early stage. However, the development of these energy scenarios is constantly confronted with new challenges. Would you like to tackle these challenges together with us? Then send us your application!

Institute issuing the offer
ICE-2
external id
2024D-095

Your Job:

The transition from a fossil-based to a renewable energy system is one of the central challenges of the 21st century. While fossil energy systems provide not only energy but also numerous industrial raw materials—such as for the chemical industry, steel production, or road construction—the gradual phase-out of these technologies may lead to potential shortages of critical materials. This PhD project aims to explore and model alternative process routes and innovative solutions to meet material demands in a fully renewable energy system. The goal of this research is not only to identify material shortages resulting from the phase-out of fossil energy but also to investigate sustainable alternatives. These alternatives could include the use of bio-based raw materials, the development of electrochemical processes, or the use of green hydrogen to substitute fossil material flows. The ICE-2 at Forschungszentrum Jülich provides a state-of-the-art global energy system model as an ideal basis for investigating the transformation of the energy system and its impact on global material flows. The research will focus on studying alternatives to fossil-based materials, analyzing innovative and techno-economically feasible solutions, and developing transformation strategies based on these findings. The work will include the following tasks:

  • Familiarization with global energy and material flow modeling
  • Analysis and modeling of the status quo of relevant material flows in fossil energy systems
  • Identification of critical material flows and potential shortages
  • Exploration of alternative process routes such as bio-based raw materials, green hydrogen, circular economy, and electrochemical processes
  • Modeling of substitution processes and techno-economic assessment



This PhD project offers you the opportunity to actively contribute to the development of solutions for industrial resource security in a fossil-free future. You will work in a highly innovative and interdisciplinary research environment and make a direct contribution to the energy transition.


Your Profile:

  • Excellent academic performance in your Master`s studies in fields such as Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Resource Management, Industrial Engineering, Physics, or similar
  • Basic knowledge of energy system analysis, renewable energy systems, or thermodynamics, or comparable subjects
  • Initial experience in optimization or statistics is an advantage
  • Basic experience with object-oriented programming languages (e.g., Python, Matlab) and MS Office
  • Analytical and structured thinking
  • Interest in the analysis of resource use, energy systems, and future technologies
  • Fluent in written and spoken English or German


Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

  • A highly motivated team and an international, interdisciplinary working environment at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  • Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  • Opportunities to attend (international) conferences and project meetings
  • Continuous professional supervision by your academic advisor
  • 30 days of vacation and additional time off during bridge days (e.g., between Christmas and New Year)
  • Flexible remote work options
  • Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours ( https://go.fzj.de/near-full-time )
  • A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  • Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  • Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  • The opportunity to complete a doctoral thesis within 3 years through professional supervision and internal support services; time taken to submit the final thesis for the last 16 doctoral students at IEK-3: 2.7 - 3.4 years


The position is initially for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible.

Apply now

Questions about the offer?

Please feel free to contact us via our contact form.
Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications by e-mail.

You can find helpful information on the application and selection process here. You can also find answers to frequently asked questions in our FAQs.

Last Modified: 17.09.2024