Master Thesis: Methods and Tools for Parallel Energy System Simulation

 

IEK-10 focuses on the optimal design and operation of integrated, decentralized energy systems with a high share of renewable energy. Computer simulation and numerical optimization are our essential tools to arrive at efficient, reliable and cost-effective solutions. We contribute both to the development of mathematical models and to the development of improved simulation methods and optimization algorithms. Our methods and software-tools are validated against operating data of real systems. Furthermore, we conduct comprehensive case studies in order to test and further improve the scalability and the performance of our models and algorithms. Specially adapted methods and codes enable us to exploit the potential of high performance computing with the aim of solving particularly large and complex problems.

Scope of the Master Thesis: A successful energy transition requires new and efficient simulation methods for large scale power systems, also illustrating interactions between different parts of multi-modal grids. Your goal will be the development and combination of such methods with parallel computing and their application to real-world grids.

Your Profile:

• Very good Bachelor degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a comparable subject
• Good knowledge of and some experience in a programming language, preferably C++ or Python
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Interest in developing new and exciting methods

Our Profile:

• Highly motivated scientists of different subject areas working together
• Interdisciplinary work combining physics, computer science, and engineering
• Intensive supervision by one or more experienced and helpful colleague(s)
• Friendly and welcoming work environment

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from everyone! If you are interested, please send us your complete application.

Contact:
Julius Strake
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Institut für Energie- und Klimaforschung – Modellierung von Energiesystemen (IEK-10)
52425 Jülich

E-Mail: j.strake@fz-juelich.de
More Information about our institute: https://www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-10/

Master thesis on the development of novel algorithms for highly scalable molecular dynamics simulations

 

The project aims at developing efficient and highly scalable software for molecular simulations, in particular for applications to biological systems.

The Master’s project will be performed at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. The Institute offers a highly cross-disciplinary environment due to its strong connection with the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. We have access to state-of-the art computing platforms, and collaborations with many experimental labs that provide the data needed to the constant validation of our software and research applications. Our software is already very efficient and scalable; however, our applications’ complexity is constantly growing. Therefore, there is always the need for improvements and optimizations. Your project will focus on the extension of our multiscale simulation software with new algorithms or physical models focusing on their performance and accuracy.

Your Task:

• Design and implement new state-of-the art computational algorithms for highly scalable molecular dynamics
• Test and validate the resulting software solution

Your Profile:

• Bachelor degree in Physics, Computer Science, Computational Chemistry or related fields.
• Experience with C++ or Fortran programming language
• Knowledge of Density Functional Theory or Molecular Mechanics is a plus
• Basic knowledge of Unix operating system is highly appreciated
• Good spoken and written English

We offer:

• Working in a motivated and highly interdisciplinary environment
• Opportunities of being part of the national and international scientific community
• Friendly working environment
• Possibility of publishing your results on peer-reviewed international scientific journals

Due to the ongoing pandemic all the work is currently performed remotely. Safety is of paramount importance for us. All necessary equipment (computers etc.) is provided. We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from everyone! If you are interested, you are more than welcome to contact us by email including a motivation letter, a CV, and the exams transcripts.

Contact:

• Dr. Davide Mandelli, d.mandelli@fz-juelich.de
• Dr. Emiliano Ippoliti, e.ippoliti@fz-juelich.de
• Prof. Paolo Carloni, p.carloni@fz-juelich.de

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH,
Institute of Advanced Simulations & Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (IAS-5/INM-9)
52425 Jülich
https://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/ias-5/

Master thesis: Computational experiments using aggregated scenarios in stochastic optimization models

 

The research in this proposed thesis is within the METIS (Methods and Models for Energy Transformation and Integration Systems) project. METIS is a cooperation of the Jülich Research Center, the RWTH Aachen University, and the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. The project aims to develop simulation and optimization tools to analyze energy markets in Germany and Europe.

Stochastic programs rely on a number of scenarios that form the input data of the underlying optimization model. Large numbers of scenarios can result in poor computational performance due to the correspondingly large optimization model. Thus, aggregation or clustering methods for scenarios are often used. These methods work by picking out representative scenarios from a pool of scenarios, and/or defining a fewer number of new scenarios that are equally representative of the pool of scenarios. There are standard methods available to accomplish this aggregation.

However, this improved computational performance comes at a price of reduced accuracy, or an error, in the corresponding optimization model’s objective function. The aim of this thesis is to perform several computational experiments to determine the quality of these aggregations. Analytical estimation of the errors can also be carried out.

Your Job:
Concretely, your job for the work in the thesis can be divided into the following steps:

• Literature research on different time series aggregation methods for energy system modelling (an existing review paper is provided by the supervisor).
• Implementation of optimization models into a modeling language of your choice.
• Integration of the new scenarios into this code — scenario generation is not required.
• Analysis of the computational performance of the new models for several parameter settings.
• Compilation of the observations into a report. Depending on your interest and the quality of the thesis, the work can also be developed into an article and submitted for review, with you as an author.

Your Profile:
Good knowledge of a modeling language such as (at least one of) Pyomo, GAMS, Gurobi, etc. is required. An extensive background in scenario generation or aggregation is not required, and some existing code is available. Good grades in relevant subjects, and a background in discrete optimization is required as well.

Our Offer:

• You will be actively supported by the supervisor, with weekly meetings via ZOOM.
• A pleasant working environment within a highly competent, international team in one of the most prestigious research facilities in Europe
• You will be supported by top-end scientific and technical infrastructure as well as close guidance by experts.
• You will have the opportunity to work with a young, self-motivated, and performance-driven team of researchers from various scientific fields and take part in the design of a future German and European energy system.

Contact (for applications):
Bismark Singh
Department of Mathematics and Department of Data Science
Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen
https://en.www.math.fau.de/edom/team/bismark-singh/

e-mail: bismark.singh@fau.de

Auxiliary Contact Person:
Maximilian Hoffmann
Institute of Energy and Climate Research (IEK)
IEK-3: Techno-economic Systems Analysis
52425 Jülich
https://www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-3/EN
Phone.: +49 2461 61-85402
e-mail: max.hoffmann@fz-juelich.de

Master Thesis: Electrochemical Characterization of Metal-Air Batteries

 

IEK-9 Functional Materials and Components department is currently looking for Master Thesis candidates who possess the qualifications below for the earliest possible employment date.

The Institute of Energy and Climate Research - Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9) focuses its research activities on the experimental investigation of electrochemical and kinetic properties of the charge transport and interfacial reactions of novel energy storage systems and converters. Metal–air batteries are promising and attractive energy storage systems for mobile and stationary applications due to their high specific energies compared to Li-ion batteries. To gain a better understanding of the effect of the structure of the anodes and type of electrolytes on the electrochemical activities and performance of metal–air batteries, preparation, design, and characterization of materials and components are essential.

Your Tasks:

• Preparation of anode materials (Pressing, alloying, grinding, polishing, etching etc.) and characterization of the microstructures by microscopy techniques
• Preparation of various types of electrolyte and characterization by spectroscopy techniques
• Battery assembly and fundamental testing
• Electrochemical investigations of the underlying battery processes and optimization of the metal-air battery performance

Your Profile:

• Ongoing master studies in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Physics
• Theoretical knowledge on electrochemistry and batteries
• Experience on electrochemistry and microscopy as well as lab work
• Fluent in English (German is advantageous) and good computer skills

Contact:
Please send your application to:
Dr. Yasin Emre Durmus
Institute of Energy and Climate Research – Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Internet: www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-9
E-Mail: y.durmus@fz-juelich.de

Master’s Thesis Position: Development of control system software for a very low field MRI system

 

Department of Electrical Engineering and Automation, Electromagnetics in health technologies group, is looking for a Master thesis worker in the topic described below. 

Description
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is one of the best ways of examining body tissue and obtaining information about injuries and illnesses. However, MRI scanners are typically large, heavy, and very expensive devices. In the accessible MRI (AMRI) project of Aalto University, a new type of MRI technology is developed, which enables lighter, cheaper, and more mobile solutions for future imaging applications.
  
The first prototype device of the AMRI project is currently being built and testing of its subsystems has commenced. The prototype is a low-field MRI device which is based on permanent magnets. To acquire magnetic resonance images, particular settings of pulse sequences are used. These sequences include radio frequency pulses to excite nuclear spins and gradient field pulses for spatial information encoding.

In this MSc thesis, the tasks of the candidate are: 
1) to develop and test a data acquisition system for MRI signals, based on NI PXI digital oscilloscopes and LabVIEW software,
2) to integrate the data acquisition system with the generation of waveforms for the RF excitation and gradient coils with a programmable arbitrary waveform generator (Zurich Instrument HDAWG) controlled with LabOne/LabVIEW software,
3) to develop an interface to control the imaging parameters and to transfer MRI algorithms from other software (e.g. MATLAB) to the system,
4) to design test sequences for the device, e.g., to measure magnetic field strength and to control and tune the biasing and shimming coils of the MRI device, and
5) to test the complete system with MRI sequences.

Qualifications
●    Only students of Aalto University can apply
●    We expect that the candidate has good LabVIEW and MATLAB skills    
●    Knowledge in MRI and electronic measurements are considered as advantages.

Schedule
The earliest start date is March 1, 2022, and the duration of the work is six months.

How to apply
Please submit your application through our recruiting system and include the following documents in English in a single pdf document; cover letter, CV and transcript of study records.

The deadline for applications is March 31, 2022.

Please note: Aalto University’s employees and visitors should apply for the position via our internal system Workday -> find jobs (not external aalto.fi webpage of open positions) by using their existing Workday user account.

For more information, please contact Professor Ilkka Laakso (Ilkka.laakso@aalto.fi) or Dr Janne Holma (janne.holma@aalto.fi).

Apply

Student (m/f/d) | M.Sc. project - The function of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in fungus-farming ambrosia beetles

 

We are currently looking for a motivated student (f/m/d) for a M.Sc. project at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena (Germany). The student will gain novel insights into the role and importance of possible nitrogen-fixing bacteria in native fungus-farming bark- and ambrosia beetles.

In general, ambrosia beetles are fungus-farming bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that encompass around 16 species in Germany and more than 3400 worldwide. They typically colonize the xylem of recently dead trees in which they drill their tunnel systems. This substrate is extremely challenging for the beetles as it mainly consists of cellulose and hemicellulose, both hardly digestible for beetles. Further, one of the most important elements in life, nitrogen, is almost absent in the xylem of trees. Here, the beetles benefit from associated mutualistic fungi, which provide a nutritional source of food for the beetles, and are thus supporting them to fulfil their carbon requirements. To date, it remains unknown how the beetles gather sufficient amounts of nitrogen. Only about 5% of the fungal symbionts of known ambrosia beetle species have been described. Even less studied is the identity and role of other fungi, yeasts and especially bacteria that are frequently found to co-inhabit the ambrosia beetle galleries.

In a recent project, we isolated and identified possible nitrogen-fixing bacteria from the tunnel systems of two common and widespread ambrosia beetles (X. saxesenii & X. germanus). These findings raise questions regarding their function in the beetle-fungus symbiosis.

The aim of this project is to study the role and the influence of such bacteria within the beetle-fungus symbiosis focussing on:

• Fieldwork
• Isolation and identification of bacteria and fungi from natural and artificial breeding systems and beetles
• Behavioural assays with beetles and bacteria/fungi
• Bioassays with antagonistic/competitive fungi
• Volatile measurements of fungi and bacteria
• Nutritional analyses of involved microbes focussing on isolated bacteria
• Isotope (15N2) measurements

If you are generally interested in microbiology, mycology and ecology, and want to find out more about this project (e.g. details, start date), don´t hesitate to get in contact with us.

Dr. Maximilian Lehenberger                               
mlehenberger@ice.mpg.de

Prof. Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon                   
gershenzon@ice.mpg.de

Student (m/f/d) | Master Project - The role of yeasts in the survival of fungus-farming bark and ambrosia beetles

 

We are currently looking for a motivated student (f/m/d) for a M.Sc. project at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena (Germany). The student will explore the function of symbiotic yeasts within fungus-farming bark and ambrosia beetles.

Both bark and ambrosia beetles, which typically colonize rather nutrient-poor woody substrates (like phloem or xylem of weakened trees), are associated with a broad range of microbes such as filamentous fungi, bacteria, and yeasts. Researchers have just begun to study the role of these microbes and how they support the survival of their beetle hosts. Some of the associated filamentous fungi are of high nutritional value for the beetles and thus ensure the successful development of beetles in such a challenging environment. In many cases, the beetles themselves are unable to survive without their fungal partners.

Although a few functions of the associated filamentous fungi are known to date, much less is known about the role of yeasts in such beetle-microbe symbioses. Some yeasts are thought to have the capability of detoxifying tree defense compounds, while others might have a role as nutritional symbionts.
In this project, the student will gain novel insights into this understudied topic focussing on the native ambrosia beetle Xyleborinus saxesenii as well as the common European bark beetle Ips typographus.

In this project, the student will focus on:

• Fieldwork
• Isolation and identification of yeast from natural and artificial breeding systems and beetles
• Behavioural assays with beetles and yeasts
• Bioassays with antagonistic/competitive fungi
• Detoxification assays with tree-defensive compounds
• Volatile measurements of yeasts
• Nutritional analyses of isolated yeasts

This study will be a collaboration between the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology and the Chair of Functional Ecology, Lund University (Sweden).
If you are generally interested in microbiology, mycology and ecology, and want to find out more about this project (e.g. details, start date), don´t hesitate to get in contact with us.

Dr. Maximilian Lehenberger                 
mlehenberger@ice.mpg.de

Prof. Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon                   
gershenzon@ice.mpg.de

Student (f/m/d) | Master Project - The mycetangia of fungus-farming ambrosia beetles

 

We are currently looking for a motivated student for a M.Sc. project at the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology in Jena (Germany). In this project, the student will investigate a highly evolved and complex structure, which is specialized for the transportation of fungal spores in fungus-farming ambrosia beetles.

Ambrosia beetles are fungus-farming bark beetles (Curculionidae), which encompass around 16 species in Germany and more than 3400 worldwide. They typically colonize the xylem of recently dead trees in which they drill their tunnel systems. Here, the beetles cultivate a species-specific nutritional fungus, which allows them to survive in such a challenging environment. However, a very specific structure is characteristic for all ambrosia beetles, the so-called mycetangia or mycangia. This structure is highly evolved and is specialized for the transportation of fungal spores from the initial nest to a new one. Without it, the survival of the beetles would be even more challenging. However, little is known about the function (e.g. fungal uptake) as well as the chemistry (e.g. secretions) of mycetangia. Therefore, research on this fascinating structure of ambrosia beetles would provide novel insights into the interaction between the beetle and its fungal symbiont.

Within this project, the student will examine the mycetangia of two common and widespread native ambrosia beetles using state-of-the-art-technique focussing on:

• Field work
• Rearing of beetles on an artificial diet
• Isolation of mycetangial structures from beetles
• Preparation of crude extracts
• Identification of major involved compounds (e.g. fatty acids, amino acids)
• Bioassays with extracts/compounds using competitive and antagonistic fungi

If you are generally interested in microbiology, mycology and ecology, and want to find out more about this project (e.g. details, start date), don´t hesitate to get in contact with us.

Dr. Maximilian Lehenberger                 
mlehenberger@ice.mpg.de

Prof. Dr. Jonathan Gershenzon                   
gershenzon@ice.mpg.de

Master Thesis: Efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo Techniques for Studying Large-scale Metabolic Models

 

sting C++ framework, validated and benchmarked with a realistic case study.
The focus of the project can develop either more in the mathematical theory of MCMC or practical implementation of code for the Jülich supercomputers.

Your skills:
You are highly motivated, with an interest in probability theory and mathematics. Very good practical C++ programming skills allow you to make your ideas happen and you have strong interest in curiosity-driven multidisciplinary research.

About us:
The “Modeling and Simulation Group” is part of the IBG-1, located at the Research Center Jülich (Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH). We offer a multidisciplinary and interesting research environment within a young and dynamic group. The project is an excellent example for research at the interface of computational systems biology and mathematics.

Contact:
Dr. Katharina Nöh | k.noeh@fz-juelich.de
Johann Fredrik Jadebeck, MSc. | j.jadebeck@fz-juelich.de

Modeling and Simulation Group
IBG-1: Biotechnology
Forschungszentrum Jülich
52425 Jülich
Germany

http://www.fz-juelich.de/ibg/ibg-1/modsim
http://github.com/modsim

 

Advertising division: IEK-9 - Fundamental Electrochemistry

Reference number: 2020M-047, Physics, chemistry, material science, CES (computational engineering science)

Internship, Bachelor or Master Thesis: Research and Development on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolysis Cells (SOFC/SOEC)

Our group ‚Electrochemistry‘ of the Institute for Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9) at Forschungszentrum Jülich works on solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyser cells (SOFC/SOEC). We focus in the research and development of processes, mechanisms, degradation and materials in the field of experimental and theoretical application-oriented fundamental research. We are looking for talented young academics for whom we offer positions for internships and preparation of theses.

Your tasks:
Within the scope of different federal and international projects, electrochemical processes in solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells are investigated. These technologies are able to achieve a significant contribution in future power-to-x scenarios to the sustainable production of syngas from renewable energy. Therein, you take on responsibility for an experimental or modelling subject in the fields of processes and mechanisms, degradation or materials. For your specific topic, you develop and deepen your competences of according methods. This is conducted on self-made (solide state synthesis and screen printing) or commercial ceramic full- or symmetric half cells. In the field of materials, material characteristics will be examined via x-ray diffraction (XRD), dilatometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For the investigation of processes, mechanisms and degradation, the electrochemical experimentation is performed by current-voltage characterisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and voltage-over-time curves. Therefore, additional methods of distribution of relaxation times (DRT) and equivalent circuit modelling (ECM) are conducted for analysis. You actively integrate your results into projects and thereby complement and extend the whole team with your ascertained and creative contributions.

Your profile:

• Background in physics, chemistry, material science, CES (computational engineering science) or other relevant disciplines
• Knowledge in the area of fundamentals and applications of electrochemistry
• Theoretical and practical experience in preferentially several of the mentioned scopes of duty
• Excellent abilities of cooperation and communication, as well as the capability of working as a part of a team
• Fluent in English and good in German spoken and written

We offer

• International environment, as well as an excellent infrastructure in one of the largest research centres in Europe
• Diversified involvement in contemporary issues like the Energiewende
• Contract as student assistant

If interested and for further information, please contact
Mr Severin Foit
Institute of energy- and climate research – Fundamental Electrochemistry (IEK-9)
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH

Internet: www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-9/EN
E-Mail: s.foit@fz-juelich.de

 

Advertising division: IEK-10 - Energy Systems Engineering

Reference number: 2020M-091, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering

Master Thesis: Methods and Tools for Parallel Energy System Simulation

IEK-10 focuses on the optimal design and operation of integrated, decentralized energy systems with a high share of renewable energy. Computer simulation and numerical optimization are our essential tools to arrive at efficient, reliable and cost-effective solutions. We contribute both to the development of mathematical models and to the development of improved simulation methods and optimization algorithms. Our methods and software-tools are validated against operating data of real systems. Furthermore, we conduct comprehensive case studies in order to test and further improve the scalability and the performance of our models and algorithms. Specially adapted methods and codes enable us to exploit the potential of high performance computing with the aim of solving particularly large and complex problems.

Scope of the Master Thesis: A successful energy transition requires new and efficient simulation methods for large scale power systems, also illustrating interactions between different parts of multi-modal grids. Your goal will be the development and combination of such methods with parallel computing and their application to real-world grids.

Your Profile:

• Very good Bachelor degree in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a comparable subject
• Good knowledge of and some experience in a programming language, preferably C++ or Python
• Fluent in English (spoken and written)
• Interest in developing new and exciting methods

Our Profile:

• Highly motivated scientists of different subject areas working together
• Interdisciplinary work combining physics, computer science, and engineering
• Intensive supervision by one or more experienced and helpful colleague(s)
• Friendly and welcoming work environment

We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from everyone! If you are interested, please send us your complete application.

Contact:
Julius Strake
Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH
Institut für Energie- und Klimaforschung – Modellierung von Energiesystemen (IEK-10)
52425 Jülich

E-Mail: j.strake@fz-juelich.de
More Information about our institute: https://www.fz-juelich.de/iek/iek-10/

 

Advertising division: IAS-5 - Computational Biomedicine

Reference number: 2021M-008

Master thesis on the development of novel algorithms for highly scalable molecular dynamics simulations

Description:
The project aims at developing efficient and highly scalable software for molecular simulations, in particular for applications to biological systems.

The Master’s project will be performed at the Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany. The Institute offers a highly cross-disciplinary environment due to its strong connection with the RWTH Aachen University, Germany. We have access to state-of-the art computing platforms, and collaborations with many experimental labs that provide the data needed to the constant validation of our software and research applications. Our software is already very efficient and scalable; however, our applications’ complexity is constantly growing. Therefore, there is always the need for improvements and optimizations. Your project will focus on the extension of our multiscale simulation software with new algorithms or physical models focusing on their performance and accuracy.

Your Task:

• Design and implement new state-of-the art computational algorithms for highly scalable molecular dynamics
• Test and validate the resulting software solution

Your Profile:

• Bachelor degree in Physics, Computer Science, Computational Chemistry or related fields.
• Experience with C++ or Fortran programming language
• Knowledge of Density Functional Theory or Molecular Mechanics is a plus
• Basic knowledge of Unix operating system is highly appreciated
• Good spoken and written English

We offer:

• Working in a motivated and highly interdisciplinary environment
• Opportunities of being part of the national and international scientific community
• Friendly working environment
• Possibility of publishing your results on peer-reviewed international scientific journals

Due to the ongoing pandemic all the work is currently performed remotely. Safety is of paramount importance for us. All necessary equipment (computers etc.) is provided. We are committed to equality and diversity and welcome applications from everyone! If you are interested, you are more than welcome to contact us by email including a motivation letter, a CV, and the exams transcripts.

Contact:

• Dr. Davide Mandelli, d.mandelli@fz-juelich.de
• Dr. Emiliano Ippoliti, e.ippoliti@fz-juelich.de
• Prof. Paolo Carloni, p.carloni@fz-juelich.de

Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH,
Institute of Advanced Simulations & Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (IAS-5/INM-9)
52425 Jülich
https://www.fz-juelich.de/ias/ias-5/