Research Associate in the Field of Sustainable Energy Carrier/Fuel/Chemistry Synthesis

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar research institute in Europe. Our around 1,400 employees work for a sustainable, economical, safe and socially fair energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. Through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global cooperation, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.

Our technology development in the area of thermochemical processes related to hydrogen technologies makes valuable contributions to enabling maximum emission reduction in the use of sustainably produced material energy carriers and chemicals throughout the entire value chain. Furthermore, our innovative solutions in process engineering using catalysts significantly contribute to the success of the global energy transition, and thus to a more socially just energy supply.

For our department "Sustainable Synthesis Products," we are seeking a Research Associate in the field of sustainable energy carriers, fuels, and chemicals as soon as possible.

Together, we plan, construct, and operate laboratory facilities to characterize catalysts and test innovative processes. Our goal is to produce sustainable energy carriers and fuels, such as sustainable aviation fuels, more efficiently. The department "Sustainable Synthesis Products" offers extensive laboratory infrastructure with the latest process technology. Additionally, we leverage the full spectrum of the field across departments and work closely with the University of Freiburg, offering you a research infrastructure that provides unique opportunities worldwide.

Do you want to actively shape the energy transition and be part of a highly motivated team? Then let's contribute together with the development of safe and efficient Power-to-X processes, precise analytical methods, sustainable materials, and innovative ideas in process engineering and catalysis. You will work towards achieving this goal with us.

What you will do

As part of a young team, you will work on public and industrial projects in the area of Power-to-X syntheses, particularly focusing on the synthesis of sustainable aviation fuels, olefins, etc. (SAF).
You will support the team as a scientific contact for questions in the field of analytics and heterogeneous catalysis.
You will conduct simulations of process engineering processes at the reactor and process level (e.g., kinetic modeling).
You will be responsible for the scientific planning and execution of experiments in laboratory and pilot plant facilities.
You will publish scientific papers and present your research results at project meetings or conferences.
You will work closely with partners from academia and industry and actively contribute to the transfer into application.

What you bring to the table

Completed university degree (Master's or PhD) in process engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, or related disciplines.
Experience in operating laboratory or mini-plant facilities as well as in reaction technology, catalysis, and thermodynamics is desirable.
Ideally, you have experience in modeling chemical processes, e.g., with software like Matlab, Python, or Aspen.
You have interest and experience in chemical analytics (particularly gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, or IR spectroscopy).
You value teamwork and achieving goals together in interdisciplinary and often international collaborations. You approach problems in a structured and forward-thinking manner.
You have a self-organized, structured, and goal-oriented work style, as well as excellent organizational skills.
Communication skills and team spirit – even in interdisciplinary and international collaborations – round off your profile.
You have successfully demonstrated your excellent German or English language skills in writing and speaking and are proficient in using MS Office.

What you can expect

We are one of the most popular employers where you will work on equal footing with the best.
We are open-minded and look forward to welcoming new talents into our team.
We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work partially from home.
We maintain a cooperative work atmosphere and open communication.
We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.
We have attractive sports and health offers and after-work activities for you.
We provide flexible childcare options at special rates for your children if needed.
We offer you free access to additional services like life coaching, homecare-eldercare, course offerings, and more.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD).

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Dr.-Ing. Malte Gierse

malte.gierse@ise.fraunhofer.de

Phone: +49 761 4588-2540

Dr.-Ing. Achim Schaadt

achim.schaadt@ise.fraunhofer.de

Phone: +49 761 4588-5428

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 79284 Application Deadline: 05/10/2025

Job Segment: Sustainability, Chemical Research, Laboratory, Part Time, Energy, Research, Engineering, Science