Research Assistant (m/f/d), EG 13 TV-H, temporary, part-time (currently 26 hours per week)

Part-time with 65 percent of the regular working hours of a full-time employee. The position is initially limited until 31.07.2028 as part of the project of the junior research group "Bio4Act - Biogenic activated carbons and platform chemicals from residual biomasses for the implementation of a sustainable circular bioeconomy" in accordance with § 2 para. 2 WissZeitVG. The possibility of doctoral studies is given.

The junior research group, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to develop and explore sustainable technology and utilization concepts for residual biomass by converting it into high-quality activated carbon (e.g., for wastewater treatment), platform chemicals (e.g., for plastics), and renewable energy carriers. This is intended to replace fossil raw materials with biogenic equivalents while contributing to the preservation and expansion of ecosystems. Within the research group, the position holder will focus on assessing the actual sustainability potential of the processes studied.

Tasks:

• Independent scientific research activities to determine the real sustainability potential of the conversion processes (activated carbon, platform chemicals, and energy carriers) of residual biomass through life cycle assessments (LCA).
• Determination of material and energy flows in the respective process steps.
• Identification and evaluation of suitable reference systems and biomass utilization alternatives.
• Optimization and assessment of the conversion processes under study and identification of ecologically sustainable utilization pathways.
• Documentation, evaluation, and assessment of experimental results.
• Preparation and presentation of research findings in internationally recognized scientific journals and participation in scientific events.
• Contribution to project reports.

Requirements:

• Completed scientific university degree (Master's or equivalent) with at least good results in Environmental Engineering, Process Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, or a related field. The degree must be available at the latest by the date of employment
• Knowledge and experience in conducting and evaluating life cycle assessments
• Knowledge in the material and/or energetic use of biomass
• High interest in researching and developing innovative technology concepts for sustainable use of biogenic resources
• Ability to link own research to the broader context of climate protection and sustainability.
• Thorough and independent working style
• High degree of organizational and team capability
• Strong interdisciplinary learning and cooperation readiness
• Good verbal and written communication skills in German and English, or willingness to learn the language

Advantageous:

• Further experience in the material and energetic use of residual biomass
• Knowledge and experience in identifying and assessing social risks
• In-depth scientific expertise in a field relevant to the research group
• Knowledge of statistical data analysis, ideally also experience in using script-based software (e.g. R or Python)
• Class B driver's license
• Experience in knowledge transfer and inter- or transdisciplinary collaboration

For further information, please contact Dr.-Ing. Kaetzl, Tel.: +49 561 804-1241, E-Mail: kaetzl(at)uni-kassel.de, www.uni-kassel.de/go/bio4act .

In the event of any differences between the German and English versions of this call for application, the German wording is legally binding.

Our Offer:

As an employee of the University of Kassel

• you will be offered an interesting and diverse range of tasks within the framework of a modern and ambitious university,
• you will be part of an interdisciplinary team with a good and collegial working atmosphere,
• you will have the opportunity to participate in professional and interdisciplinary further education measures,
• is your workplace with good connections to public transport, which you can currently use free of charge.

In addition, you will benefit from the advantages of employment in the public service such as:

• an additional company pension (VBL),
• an optional child supplement in accordance with TV-Hessen, a family-friendly university (including childcare for emergencies),
• an annual bonus
• an entitlement to capital-accumulation benefits,
• a promotion of voluntary commitment,
• low-cost participation in university sports and a full range of fitness activities as part of Unifit, as well as workplace health management

You can find more jobs at stellen.uni-kassel.de

Please send your application with the usual informative documents, stating the reference number in the subject line, via the online form. We have compiled further information for you in our FAQ.

In exceptional cases, we will also accept your application documents in paper form addressed to: The President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany, or via mail to bewerbungen[at]uni-kassel.de, stating the reference number.

In the case of postal applications, please submit only copies of your documents (no folders), as these cannot be returned. All documents will be destroyed after completion of the selection process in compliance with data protection regulations.

The protection of your personal information is very important to us, so we will handle your personal information with care. By your application, you allow us the storage and use in the sense of the Hessian Data Protection and Freedom of Information Act. You can object to this at any time. Your personal data will be deleted.

Information according to Art. 13 DSGVO for the application process at the University of Kassel can be found at:
www.uni-kassel.de/go/ausschreibung-datenschutz

Information and FAQ about applying for a job offer:

https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote/hinweise-und-faq-zur-bewerbung-auf-ein-stellenangebot

The University of Kassel is very interested in the professional satisfaction of its employees. It is distinguished as a family-friendly university and, in the interests of equal opportunities, strives to offer everyone the same opportunities for development and to counteract existing disadvantages. It promotes the Family Welcome Service and also the Dual Career Service for positions that are scientifically and academically filled. One of the strategic goals of the University of Kassel is to significantly increase the proportion of women in research and teaching. Applications from women are therefore particularly welcome. Seriously handicapped and equivalent applicants are given preference if they have the same suitability, qualifications and professional performance. Full-time positions are generally divisible (except when filling civil servant positions). Applications indicating the Position Number, which may be in digital form, should be sent to the President of the University of Kassel, 34109 Kassel, Germany quoting the applicable reference number.