Research Assistant (m/f/d) - To support the BMEL-funded project

The Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy is a pioneer and a driver of bioeconomy research. Our work is aimed at creating the scientific foundation to transform agricultural, food, industrial and energy systems into a comprehensive bio-based circular economy. Objectives are to develop and to integrate techniques, models, processes and management strategies, effectively converging technologies to intelligently crosslink highly diverse bioeconomic production systems and to control them in a knowledge-based, adaptive and largely automated manner. We conduct research in dialogue with society - knowledge-motivated and application-inspired.

To support the BMEL-funded project " Renewable Energy for Food Security (REFS): Optimisation and upscaling of a modular solar dryer for postharvest processing of vegetables in Kenya",  we are looking for a

Research Assistant (m/f/d)

The project's objective is to develop and test a smart modular solar dryer for drying various fruits and vegetables. The dryer will incorporate a thermal energy storage component formulated from nanoparticles and various biobased phase-changing materials (PCM). The research assistant will participate in identifying suitable materials, formulating PCM mixtures, evaluating and optimising the mixtures' thermal performance, and designing suitable packaging for selected mixtures. The research assistant will work directly with experts in thermochemical conversion and drying technology within the department System Process Engineering to design a thermal energy storage system for the modular solar dryer.

Your responsibilities

• Collaborate with researchers to design and optimise a novel thermal energy storage system.
• Support the experimental design and setup and ensure the smooth execution of experiments.
• Support data collection, cleaning, analysis and interpretation
• Communicate and transfer research findings to team members and other stakeholders
• Support in the preparation of publications and presentations
• Attend team meetings and contribute to discussions
• Create Project Reports

Your qualifications

• University degree (Bachelor or Diploma (FH)) in the field of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Energy Engineering and Thermal Engineering or comparable
• Enrolment in a Master's degree program (Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Energy Engineering and Thermal Engineering or comparable)
• Excellent knowledge of thermodynamics and heat transfer, characterisation techniques of thermophysical properties, encapsulation and shape stabilisation techniques of thermal storage materials
• Knowledge of nanotechnology and the practical utilisation of nanomaterials is an advantage.
• Willingness to work in a laboratory, ability to work in a team, reliability, personal commitment and the ability to work independently
• Good knowledge of English (knowledge of German is welcomed but optional)

We offer

• An attractive interdisciplinary working environment in an experienced and committed international team
• Excellent infrastructure for scientific work
• Working from home and family-friendly working conditions
• A range of different sports on and around the campus
• A workplace located on the edge of a picturesque landscape

This position requires 10 – 20 hours of work per week and is limited until 31.12.2025, with the possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funds. The remuneration is 13,83 € / hour.

For further information, please contact Dr. John Ndisya (Tel.: +49 331 5699-328, email: JNdisya(at)atb-potsdam.de or visit our website www.atb-potsdam.de.

If you would like to contribute your expertise to our interdisciplinary research, we look forward to receiving your detailed application documents. Please apply by 19.12.2024 using the online application form for the job advertisement, reference code 2024-3-5 at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/career/vacancies. Applications received after the application deadline cannot be considered.

Equality of opportunity is part of our personnel policy. Disabled applicants with adequate qualifications will be preferentially considered.

By submitting an application, you agree that your job application documents will be stored for six months, even if your application is unsuccessful. Further information on the processing, storage, and protection of your personal data can be found at https://www.atb-potsdam.de/en/data-protection-declaration-for-the-application-process.