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 28.02.2027 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. After successful completion of the doctorate, continued employment until the end of the project on 31.07.2028 is aspired.

The junior research group, funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) aims to develop and investigate sustainable technology and utilization concepts for residual biomasses by converting them into high-quality activated carbon, platform chemicals and renewable energy carriers. This is intended to replace fossil raw materials with biogenic equivalents and at the same time contribute to the preservation of ecosystems. The junior research group comprises three PhD positions, two PostDoc positions and one technician position at the University of Kassel. Within the framework of the junior research group, the position holder will work on the following topics:

• Production of biogenic activated carbons by pyrolysis from residual biomass for the removal of organic micropollutants from wastewater
• Characterization and evaluation of biogenic activated carbons for the substitution of fossil equivalents
• Investigating the potential of pyrolysis gases for the production of green hydrogen

Tasks:

• Independent scientific research activities in the field of activated carbon production from residual biomasses using the pyrolysis and activation reactor of the department on a laboratory scale
• Systematic research of adapted process settings for the optimized production of biogenic activated carbons from residual biomasses for the removal of organic micropollutants from wastewater
• Planning, execution and evaluation of independent experiments for the physico-chemical characterization and evaluation of biogenic activated carbons, taking into account the initial biomasses and process settings
• Determination of material and mass flows as well as energy balances of the process
• Documentation, evaluation and assessment of the experimental results
• Preparation and presentation of new knowledge and the results of research work in international peer-reviewed journals and participation in scientific events
• Contribution to project reports

Requirements:

• University degree (Master) with at least good results environmental engineering, chemical engineering, process engineering, environmental sciences or a related field. The required degree must be obtained by the recruitment date at the latest
• Knowledge and experience or a willingness to become proficient with the activated carbon and biochar research field
• Knowledge and experience with methods, particularly for the characterization and evaluation of biogenic activated carbon
• A high level of interest in research and development of innovative technology concepts for the sustainable use of biogenic resources
• Capability to connect one's individual studies to the larger context of climate and sustainability
• Thorough and independent working style
• A high degree of organizational and teamwork skills
• High interdisciplinary willingness to learn and cooperate
• Good oral and written communication skills in German and English or willingness to learn the language

Advantageous:

• In-depth basic knowledge of thermochemical conversion processes (pyrolysis)
• Basic knowledge of urban water management and new developments in advanced wastewater treatment
• Previous experience in the field of production and environmental application of activated carbon and biochar
• Scientific expertise, preferably demonstrated by a degree in a field of activity relevant to the junior 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
• Experience in the field of material flow analyses
• In-depth experience in laboratory work

For further information, please contact Dr.-Ing. Kaetzl, Tel.: +49 561 804-1242.

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,
• your workplace is centrally located in the city of Kassel with good public transport connections, which you can currently use for free.

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.