Master's Thesis "Resilience and Supply Chain Risks in Photovoltaics"

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is Europe's largest solar research institute. Our approximately 1,400 employees work towards a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research focal points in energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results, successful industry projects, spin-offs, and global collaborations, we shape the sustainable transformation of the energy system.   Do you want to actively participate in the energy transition and write your thesis in this area? With us, you will find the experts and the environment to realize these goals.   Our team has long-standing experience in techno-economic and ecological analyses along the entire industrial PV value chain, as well as with potential incentive systems to support PV production in Europe. You will gain direct insights into current discussions and analyses to support a sustainable and resilient PV industry in Europe.   For our team "Techno-Economic and Ecological Analyses," we are looking for a student assistant as soon as possible, with the opportunity to write a master's thesis.

What you will do

• The goal of your thesis is to assess the material needs and supply risks (e.g., supply shortages, concentration) for PV along the value chain.
• You will research literature on photovoltaics, focusing on production, disposal, and material criticality.
• You will assess the material requirements for current and future PV technologies.
• You will create a material supply chain mapping, including identifying process routes, locations, and key players.
• You will conduct a material flow analysis for critical materials.
• You will present and discuss the (interim) results in regular internal meetings.
• You will evaluate the results and write your thesis.

What you bring to the table

• You are studying natural or engineering sciences, e.g., Industrial Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Renewable Energies, Industrial Engineering, or a comparable field.
• It is important to you to contribute to your team and achieve common goals.
• You have a solid understanding of scientific work and literature research.
• You can independently and proactively plan upcoming work steps, set priorities, and have appropriate time management skills.
• You are proficient in MS Office.
• You have very good English skills in both spoken and written form and have already proven your good German skills.
• Knowledge in material flow analysis and programming is an advantage but not a requirement.

What you can expect

• Exclusive Insight: In collaborating with the scientists in our unit, you will gain insight into the everyday life of research and development at a research institute.
• Laboratory Infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, allowing research projects to be conducted using the latest technology.
• Research Mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision: You will be supervised by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: In interaction with scientific and student employees, you will gain experience in teamwork and can contribute your previous experiences.
• Working Hours and Location: We offer you the possibility to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs in consultation and occasionally work from home.
• Equal Opportunity: We value equal opportunities and create space for diversity.
• After Work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee 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 applicationsregardless 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.

Have we piqued your interest? Then apply online now with your meaningful application documents (including cover letter, CV, work references/transcript of records). We look forward to meeting you!

• Questions about this position will be answered by: 
• Estelle Gervais
• Email: estelle.gervais@ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE 

Www.Ise.Fraunhofer.De

Requisition Number: 81680                Application Deadline: