Thesis "Electrochemical Recovery of Copper and Gold from Aqueous Solutions"

As one of the world's largest solar energy research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to a sustainable, economical, secure, and socially equitable energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition by providing concrete, implementable technological solutions through excellent research results, successful industrial collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, our :1,300 employees conduct research in four key areas: energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy utilization. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

Would you like to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and write your thesis on this topic? With us, you’ll find the experts and the environment you need to make these goals a reality.

You will support our “Water Treatment and Material Separation” group, which focuses on developing innovative processes for recovering valuable metals and other resources from complex material streams. We combine electrochemical processes, experimental research, and technical development to create new value chains for a resource-efficient circular economy.

Background of the project: As part of the European collaborative project OPTIMINER, you will investigate new value chains for previously unused ores and tailings from copper mining. To this end, you will develop an electrochemical process and a suitable cell for the direct metallic recovery of copper and gold from complex solutions.

For our group “Water Treatment and Material Separation”, we are looking for a student assistant to begin as soon as possible, with the opportunity to write a thesis, for the following tasks:

• You will familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of electrowinning and metal recovery from complex solutions.
• You will set up an automated electrochemical experimental setup and adapt it to the research question.
• You will develop a suitable electrochemical cell for the direct deposition of copper and gold.
• You will plan and conduct systematic experimental series by varying relevant operating parameters.
• You will investigate the influence of complex solution compositions and potential interfering ions, particularly iron and manganese.
• You will analyze metal deposition in terms of yield, selectivity, and process stability.
• You will document and evaluate the experimental data and derive recommendations for process development from it.
• You will summarize the results in your thesis.
  
  
  

What You Contribute

• You are studying chemical engineering or a related field.
• You have already gained experience in planning, conducting, documenting, and evaluating chemical laboratory experiments.
• Knowledge of electrochemistry, electrowinning, or instrumental analysis is a plus, but not required.
• It is important to you to contribute to your team and to achieve common goals through interdisciplinary collaboration.
• You plan and complete tasks independently and to a high standard.
• When faced with challenges, you persevere and do not give up until you have achieved the desired results.
• You find it easy to build and maintain trusting relationships.
• You work independently and with dedication.
• You can plan upcoming tasks on your own and with foresight, set priorities, and manage your time effectively.
• When pursuing goals, you overcome obstacles and setbacks.
• You are proficient in using Excel.
• You can express yourself confidently in both German and English.
  
  
  

What We Offer

• Exclusive insights: By working together with the scientists in our department, you will gain insights into the day-to-day research and development work at a research institute.
• Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE, we work with state-of-the-art equipment and devices so that research projects can be carried out using the latest technology.
• Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, thus applying and expanding the knowledge you gained during your studies.
• Supervision: You will be supervised by scientists during your work and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: You will gain experience in working in a team with our scientific and student staff and can contribute the experience you have already gained.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adjust your working hours to your needs and to occasionally work from home.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and embrace diversity.
• After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues at after-work events or our annual employee parties.
  
  
  

In addition to the thesis, a contract as a research assistant will be established. The remuneration for this is based on the degree of the academic qualification.

We value and promote the diversity of skills among our employees and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, and sexualorientation and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Ready for a change? Then apply now with your compelling application documents (including CV, cover letter, and references/performance records) and make a difference! After your online application is received, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment. We will get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how the process continues.

Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:

Daniel Winter

+49 761 4588-5353

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 85211 Application Deadline: