Jobs

For initiative applications for a Bachelor, Master or PhD thesis, please contact the leader of the respective group or department directly.

Data Scientist (f/m/d)
Focus on chemistry, physics or materials science

Category

Job description

The Grunwaldt Group at KIT operates several research facilities at two KIT sites and at European synchrotron radiation sources (www.itcp.kit.edu/grunwaldt). As part of a new initiative (ROCK-IT), the automated acquisition of X-ray spectroscopic data on catalysts will be established and the online data archiving, reduction and analysis developed in the DAPHNE4NFDI project will be integrated. The candidate will support the optimization of the spectroscopic and catalytic data acquisition process at the KIT Light Source CAT-ACT beamline (https://www.itcp.kit.edu/catact/24.php) and DESY PETRA III P65 beamline and the integration of the electronic lab notebook as well as the SciCat metadata catalog as a proof of concept for robot supported fully automated experiments. The candidate should be able to understand technical requirements for catalytic operando experiments, plan and implement the catalytic experiments, analyze the measurement data and explain the results, design proposed solutions and realize the high quality implementation of these solutions. The latest technologies as well as room for initiative and creativity are available.

Personal qualification

You have completed a scientific university degree (master/diploma (university)) in the field of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences or technology. A completed doctorate is an advantage. You also have experience in catalysis/materials research as well as the design and construction of catalytic test facilities. You also have experience with X-ray absorption spectroscopy as well as fluent written and spoken English skills. Experience in the area of ​​technical data and metadata management, SciCat and/or ICAT or similar data and metadata catalogs; Experience with Python and LabVIEW; Experience with Tango Controls, spec and/or Sardana Experiment Control Software as well as experience with big data analysis, ML and AI approaches is desirable.

Salary

Salary category 13, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements.

 

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Academic Worker (f/m/d)
in the field of chemical engineering or process engineering (part-time 75%)

Category

Job description

The IKFT is developing fast pyrolysis for the liquefaction of biogenic residues. The material use of by-products is highly relevant. In this context, you will be working on the use of the solid by-product biochar. The focus is on the development of a suitable post-treatment in order to adapt the product qualities for different applications. Suitable reactors will be developed for integration of the post-treatment into the fast pyrolysis process.

In particular, you will be responsible for the following tasks

  • the thermal post-treatment of biochar from fast pyrolysis and its influence on product quality
  • the determination of biochar activation kinetics with water vapor/CO2/CO and, if applicable, short-chain organics from the pyrolysis of biomass
  • the development of suitable reactor concepts and integration into the fast pyrolysis process.
  • interface to the EU PYRAGRAF project in relation to biochar production and biochar post-treatment

The activity is suitable for a doctorate. A doctorate is desired.

Personal qualification

You hold a university degree (Master / Diploma (Uni) in the field of chemical engineering or process engineering. Alternatively, you graduated in chemistry or physics with proven experience in the field of process development. You also have experience and knowledge in the field of characterization of biochar / biochar and/or relevant analytical methods as well as experience in setting up and conducting experiments.

Salary

Salary category 13, depending on the fulfillment of professional and personal requirements

 

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IKFT 01-2024 Bachelor Thesis - Influence of the competitive adsorption of guaiacol, phenol and catechol on the equilibrium capacity of Amberlite XAD-4 in a batch multi-component system

Category

Job description

Lignin, one of the most abundant renewable organic materials in the world, is a waste product of the paper industry. However, being an aromatic heteropolymer, lignin is the most promising renewable source for valuable aromatic compounds, which are currently synthesized from fossil oil, or the production of synthetic resins, pharmaceuticals and more.

The aqueous phase product downstream of the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of lignin consists of a complex mixture of phenolic compounds among which include guaiacol, catechol and phenol. Owing to similar physicochemical properties, their selective adsorption separation is challenging due to competition of one or more of the species for the active sites on the adsorbent surface.  This competitive adsorption has an effect on both the rate and equilibrium adsorption capacity of the system, which is of vital interest in adsorption process design.  It thus becomes imperative to look into how the interaction of these compounds affect these parameters using model compounds in a multi-component system.

Your Tasks:

  • A thorough literature review
  • Prepare solutions of aromatics with varying concentrations
  • Batch adsorption experiments in an thermostatic oscillator  using adsorbents
  • Use of characterization techniques such as HPLC, FTIR, NMR, GC etc
  • Assessment and interpretation of results

Personal qualification

  • A chemical engineering background.
  • Experience with separation techniques is of advantage
  • knowledge in chemistry
  • working language is English as well as written thesis

 

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