Bachelor or Master Thesis: Thermal energy harvesting using a bistable shape memory actuator

 New energy harvesting concepts are currently being developed to convert waste heat into electrical energy. Promising candidates are freely movable film devices of shape memory alloys (SMAs). When brought in contact to a heat source, they generate work due to the shape memory effect, which can be converted into electrical energy. Thus, small temperature differences in the environment can be used to power, e.g., wireless sensor networks for the “Internet of Things“. A sketch of such an energy harvesting device in its two equilibrium positions is shown in the Figure.

This interdisciplinary work focuses on energy generation on a miniature scale covering different fields of materials science, mechanical and electronic engineering. The focus of the work can be adjusted to the interests and competences of the applicant in a direct interview.

Tasks:

• Characterization of material properties (structure, mechanical, thermal, magnetic)
• Modelling, design and simulation (FEM Multiphysics, Lumped Element Modelling)
• Rapid prototyping (Optical lithography, 3D Printing, laser technology)
• Characterization of demonstrator variants (thermo-mechanical, electrical properties)
• Design optimization

IMT has extensive state-of-the-art equipment (600 m² clean room, rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting, assembly and joining technology laboratories, various metrological laboratories). Intensive support ensures that the work can be carried out within the desired time frame.

Starting date

on on appointment

Personal qualification

• Field of study: Mechanical/electrical engineering, physics and related disciplies
• We are looking for ambitious, creative and self-motivated individuals, who like to work in a multidisciplinary and international team.
• Basic knowledge in microtechnology is desirable; knowledge in FEM simulation (COMSOL) is advantageous

Contract duration

3 / 6 months

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Xi Chen, phone +49 721 608-22607, email: xi.chen@kit.edu.

Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number IMT 32-2022.

Ausschreibungsnummer: IMT 32-2022

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Contact

Personnel Support is provided by:
Personalservice (PSE) - Human Resources
Ms Carrasco Sanchez
Phone: +49 721 608-42016,

Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe

 

Apply

Bachelor or Master Thesis: Thermal microactuation using shape memory smart materials for waste heat recovery

 Among the various transducer materials, shape memory alloys (SMAs) offer a number of unique properties including thermoelasticity, superelasticity, actuation at highest work densities up to 107 Jm-3 and self-sensing. SMA actuators make use of temperature-induced martensitic transformation allowing for high actuation force and stroke length. Their characteristic of being a “smart material” becomes particularly advantageous upon miniaturization, as technology constraints pose severe limitations on the number, geometry and size of functional structures.

The goal of the Master Thesis will be to explore the potential of the shape memory effect in a novel out-of-plane actuator design for miniature actuation applications, with emphasis on utilization of low-grade heat as heat source < 200 ℃.

Your Tasks:

• Characterization of SMA material properties (structure, mechanical, thermal)
• Design development based on lumped element modelling (Matlab/Simulink)
• Prototype development including fabrication technology, performance control and characterization

Objectives:

• Design and fabrication of SMA microactuators
• Development of test setup
• Characterization of mechanical and thermal performance
• Evaluation of performance results and design optimization
• Development of control strategy

To carry out the work, the IMT has extensive state-of-the-art equipment (600 m² clean room, rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing and laser cutting, assembly and joining technology laboratories, various metrological laboratories). Intensive support ensures that the work can be carried out within the given time frame.

Starting date

on appointment

Personal qualification

• Field of Study: Mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics and related programs of study.
• We are looking for ambitious, creative and self-motivated individuals, who like to work in a multidisciplinary and international team.

Contract duration

6 Months

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Dr. Jingyuan Xu, phone +49 721 608-22752, email: jingyuan.xu@kit.edu.

Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number IMT 33-2022.

Ausschreibungsnummer: IMT 33-2022

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Contact

Personnel Support is provided by:
Personalservice (PSE) - Human Resources
Ms Carrasco Sanchez
Phone: +49 721 608-42016,

Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe

 

Apply

Master Thesis or Internship: Designing a Benchmark for Time-Series Databases in Big Data Environments

 Time-series applications are continuously growing in big data environments like large-scale scientific experiments, Internet of Things (IoT), IT infrastructure, finance and health technologies. Different time-series databases relying on different storage engine have been developed. To understand their performance characteristics, we have developed SciTS, a benchmark for time-series databases in large-scale scientific experiments and Industrial Internet of Things.

The continuous evolution of time-series databases challenges the design and the architecture of SciTS. In a collaboration with Clapsode, a startup supported by the “Microsoft for Startups” program, we aim to extend the design of SciTS to support evaluating the new time-series databases. The student is expected to contribute to and extend the design of SciTS by taking Clapsode’s Data Layer TS database and other emerging database technologies as a use-case. He/She (f/m/d) will adapt SciTS architecture to enable efficient utilization of all features provided by new database technologies. The main goal is to extend SciTS API and its parametrization to be able to fairly compare a wide range of databases in applications for scientific instrumentation and industrial IoT systems.

You will contribute to a top-notch research project with the opportunity to publish in top conferences. Your results will part of an open-source project and will directly contribute to a new data management system developed for KArlsruhe TRItium Neutrino (KATRIN) experiment and will build a ground for next generation of data management systems for large scale scientific experiments

Starting date

as soon as possible

Personal qualification

Required Skills:

• Very good understanding of the relational and NoSQL database technologies.
• Good programming skills and preferably prior experience in C#

Contract duration

6 months

Contact person in line-management

For further information, please contact Arnim Schinz, email: a.schinz@clapsode.com or Jalal Mostafa, email: jalal.mostafa@kit.edu or Suren Chilingaryan, email: suren.chilingaryan@kit.edu.

Please apply online using the button below for this vacancy number IPE 10-2022.

Ausschreibungsnummer: IPE 10-2022

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Contact

Personnel Support is provided by:
Personalservice (PSE) - Human Resources
Ms Carrasco Sanchez
Phone: +49 721 608-42016,

Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe

 

 Apply

Master Student (f/m/d) or Research Assistant (f/m/d) - Fries Lab

 

The Fries Lab at the Ernst Strüngmann Institute (ESI) for Neuroscience in Frankfurt, Germany, is looking for an enthusiastic Master’s student (f/m/d) or Research Assistant (f/m/d) who is interested in performing a psychophysics study on saccadic eye movements.

Your tasks

This study is part of a larger inter-species project that examines saccadic dynamics. Your job will be to implement the human part of this project in the form of a psychophysics experiment with concurrent eye tracking. This means that you will be responsible for screening, scheduling, and recruiting participants as well as collecting the data at the institute. This can be an external Master’s thesis in neuroscience or another related field. In that case, additional tasks may include (preliminary) data analysis and writing a proposal and final report.

What you have to offer

Candidates should hold a B.Sc in neuroscience/psychology or some related field and currently be enrolled in an M.Sc program. Programming experience in either MATLAB or Python is required. Experience with human psychophysics studies is a plus. Yet, the main criteria are a solid knowledge of neuroscience or psychology, and a dedication to performing research. Applications should include a short motivation letter and a curriculum vitae. Please send your application materials, with the reference “Hexgrid” in electronic format (ideally in one PDF file) to office.fries(at)esi-frankfurt.de

What we offer

The candidate will be compensated financially with a 80hr/month research assistant (HiWi) contract, regardless of whether they are hired as an assistant or a Master’s thesis student. Equal opportunities and diversity are important to us. All candidates are equally welcome and encouraged to apply. Please consider our data protection regulations.

Your application

Applications should include a short motivation letter and a curriculum vitae. Please send your application materials, with the reference “Hexgrid” in electronic format (ideally in one PDF file) to office.fries@esi-frankfurt.de

Master Thesis - Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor for the Detection of Biomarkers

 We aim to develop a mass sensitive sensor for the detection of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The pandemic still persist but the detection of corona infections by qualitative rapid diagnose tests has proven being an effect instrument to limit the virus’s spread. Nevertheless, quantitative point of care sensors are still rare although providing valuable information on the patient health status. In this project, the quantitative detection of the coronavirus should be achieved by measuring the shift of the frequency of surface acoustic waves during the specific binding of spike proteins of the coronavirus. The surface acoustic waves (SAW) are stimulated via microelectrode transducers deposited on ultrathin piezoelectric films. These films are modified by novel DNA receptor molecules that can selectively bind the spike protein similar to antibodies. However, on the way to detect those spike proteins, still several implementation steps need to be optimized for the successful operation of the sensor.

Your tasks in detail are:

• Fabrication of sensor chips in the clean room of the Forschungszentrum Jülich
  
• Tuning the composition of the piezoelectric films facilitating high sensor sensitivity and low detection limits. This optimization is done in collaboration with the Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung - IKZ in Berlin.
  
• Perform high frequency electrical measurements, prepare and work with buffer solutions as model biologic fluid
  
• Independent characterisation of the composition of both the sensor as well as surface modifications

Your Profile:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in physics, material science, or physical chemistry
  
• Experiences in coding
  
• Ability to communicate with scientists and technicians from various disciplines
  
• Well-structured and systematic research approach
  
• Independency
  
• Passion for science

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 support you in your work with:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Multifaceted work in an interdisciplinary and international setting, as well as a cooperative work environment
  
• Fantastic research equipment facilities
  
• Work in a state of the art clean room
  
• All equipment required to execute the project is available
  
• A national collaboration with the IKZ in Berlin
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• Forschungszentrum Jülich located closely to Belgium and the Netherlands with strong links to the ABCD Region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf) which is one of the leading high-tech
  

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 by 30.9.2022

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Master Thesis - Exploring machine learning capabilities to enrich the estimation of regional decarbonization potentials in the transport sector

 The aspects of your job are as follows:

• Literature review on different spatial data imputation, disaggregation, validation, and quality labelling techniques
  
• Combing different public databases and collecting useful data related to the transport sector in a database. Identifying challenges during this process.
  
• Implementation of suitable solutions to the identified challenges
  
• Validation of the results
  
• Writing the thesis

Your Profile:

• Very good academic marks in computer science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field of study
  
• Ability to work autonomously and analytically within a project team
  
• Ideally you already have experience in programming (Python and SQL), relational databases, and APIs
  
• A high affinity for topics related to machine learning and transport infrastructure
  
• Fluent oral and written proficiency in English

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 support you in your work with:

• Highly motivated and international working group in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Intensive thesis supervision at a flexible workplace
  
• Outstanding scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  

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.

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Master thesis - Criticality of raw materials for the German energy transition

 With the transformation of the German energy system from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources new challenges arise. Certain raw materials are needed to construct low-carbon energy technologies such as PV cells or wind turbines. With a rising global demand of these raw materials some of them might become critical or further increase already existing criticality. The EU has 83 raw materials under observation to assess their criticality with the two indicators Economic Importance and Supply Risk.

The aim of your work is to develop the structure for a database of energy technologies including their material demand as basis for a criticality assessment. In detail your tasks entail:

• Define datasets of current and future energy technologies in Germany
  
• Adjust the EU approach for the assessment of critical raw materials to the needs of this study
  
• Develop a database structure
  
• Assess selected energy technologies according to the developed approach
  

Your Profile:

• Good academic marks in resource management, environmental, energy or industrial engineering, or a related field of study
  
• Interest in energy-related, economic and environmental issues
  
• Independent and analytical way of working
  
• Fluent oral and written proficiency in English
  

Our Offer:

We work on cutting-edge innovative topics and offer you the opportunity to actively shape change! We offer you:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with a future-oriented theme.
  
• A large research campus in the countryside, which offers the best opportunities for networking with colleagues as well as for sporting activities alongside work
  
• Interdisciplinary collaboration on projects in an international, committed and collegial team
  
• Qualified supervision by scientific colleagues
  
• Independent preparation and execution of assigned tasks
  
• Flexible working hours and appropriate remuneration
  
• A position initially limited to 6 months (Master`s thesis)
  

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 by 14.8.2022

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Master Thesis: Characterization of irreversible processes in valence change memory (VCM) cells on a sub-nanosecond time scale

 The use of bipolar memory devices to achieve synaptic connectivity in neural networks is highly dependent on the ability of the devices to perform analogue conductance modulation using electrical stimuli in the form of identical voltage pulses. Typically, the filamentary components of the valence change memory (VCM) type exhibit abrupt SET switching behaviour and gradual RESET switching behaviour. Therefore, obtaining an analogue modulation of the conductance during SET and RESET is a challenge. In order to achieve analogue writing modes with ultra-short pulses, using a Bias tee, we can simultaneously apply a series of ultra-short pulses (ps) and a continuous read voltage. So one can measure the resistance changes while applying pulse trains. The aim of the thesis is to

• characterize irreversible processes (such as ion migration), investigate analogue modes of operation
  
• realize STP/LTP by gradual stepwise switching events in resistive switching valence change memory (VCM)
  
• track the change of resistance upon application of ultra-short pulses in order to
  
• generate a linear relationship between the change in resistance and the number of pulses
  
• electrical characterization on our ultra-fast RF setup, using bias tee, SMU, pulse generator and oscilloscope
  
• control measurements and evaluate data via python code

Your Profile:

• Master´s student in physics, computer science, electrical engineering, materials science or in a similar field
  
• Basic programming skills (ideally in python)
  
• Interest in experimental and multidisciplinary work
  
• High motivation as well as self-directed learning and working
  
• Proficient English skills; basic German skills are of advantage

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 support you in your work with:

• A world-leading, interdisciplinary and international research environment, provided with state-of-the-art experimental equipment and versatile opportunities to grow as a curious researcher.
  
• Collaborative work environment including researchers at the following institutes: Peter Grünberg Institute - Electronic Materials (PGI-7) and the Institute of Electronic Materials (IWE2) at RWTH Aachen University
  
• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• Qualified support through your scientific colleagues
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Flexible work (location) arrangements, e.g. remote work
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is initially fixed for 12 months.

Place of employment: Aachen

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

Master Thesis - Analysis of Real-Time Dynamic Power Grid Simulation

 Your Job:

• Analysis of the current state-of-the-art of component models regarding their dynamic behaviour in power systems
  
• Development of extended dynamic simulation models
  
• Integration of data of distributed generation and demand time series
  
• Execution of various simulation scenarios
  
• Evaluation of scenarios for the future energy system within Germany

Your Profile:

• Very good background ind Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Computer Science, Physics or other related subject
  
• Good knowledge of and some experience in real-time simulation tools (preferably RTDS, Opal RT/Simulink)
  
• Strong interest and basic understanding in energy system modelling and simulation
  
• Very good communication skills in English (spoken and written)
  
• Independent and analytical working style within a project team

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 support you in your work with:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Intensive supervision by one or more experienced and helpful colleague(s)
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Interdisciplinary work combining physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering
  
• A position initially limited to 6 months
  

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.

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Master Thesis - Extension of market models for ancillary services

 Your Job:

• Literature research
  
• Analysis of the current state-of-art regulations and market setups
  
• Identification of key features for future grid-serving market models
  
• Implementation of the market model within optimization environment
  
• Evaluation of the developed approach in the framework of the Living Lab Energy Campus infrastructure

Your Profile:

• Very good background in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, Computer Science, Energy Economics or other related subject
  
• Strong mathematical and programming background (e.g. Phyton, C, etc.)
  
• Strong interest and basic understanding in energy system modelling, energy economics and market concepts
  
• Very good communication skills ind English (spoken and written)
  
• Independent and analytical working style within a project team

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 support you in your work with:

• An interesting and socially relevant topic for your thesis with future-oriented themes
  
• Intensive supervision by one or more experienced and helpful colleague(s)
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• Excellent technical equipment and the newest technology
  
• The chance to independently prepare and work on your tasks
  
• Interdisciplinary work combining physics, mathematics, computer science and engineering
  
• A position initially limited to 6 months
  

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

Master Thesis - Hardware-in-the-Loop Demonstrator for Particle Detector Read Out

 Our team is working on integrated circuits for the read out of particle detectors. Our main goal is to serve a wide range of sensor types, which requires highly adjustable electronics with scaling power consumption based on performance. We consider the complete processing chain, including analog front end, digitization stage and digital signal processing. For detailed studies of all components as system, we want to build a demonstration and verification setup that incorporates our custom analog to digital converter (ADC), together with a front end and a Field-Programmable-Gate-Array (FPGA) for the digital content. Specific tasks are:

• Setup of an arbitrary waveform generator as signal generator
  
• Setup of the ADC with control software
  
• Incorporating a FPGA as a hardware-in-the-loop model to be programmed and controlled by Matlab/Simulink
  
• Integrating all stages with our already existent Matlab software and perform measurements to demonstrate the system’s performance

Your Profile:

• Current Master studies at a university for Electrical Engineering, Physics or similar fields
  
• First experience in Matlab/Simulink (MathWorks)
  
• Knowledge of digital circuit description (VHDL/Verilog)
  
• First experience with software-controlled lab equipment
  
• Good English capabilities and preferably good knowledge of German
  

Please apply for the position even if you do not have all the required skills and knowledge.

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 support you in your work with:

• Small, highly motivated working group where your contribution is highly valued
  
• Continuous scientific mentoring by your scientific advisor as well as a close integration in the international research group
  
• Work within one of the largest research centers in Europe
  
• Ideal conditions for gaining practical experience alongside your studies
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure
  
• The possibility to partially work from home
  
• Flexible working hours as well as a reasonable remuneration
  

The position is fixed for a limited time, including the introduction phase and the time to write your thesis (max. 9 months in total).

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