Job Description

The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg is the largest solar energy research institute in Europe. Our approximately 1400 employees are working for a sustainable, economic, safe and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energies. We contribute to this with our research priorities of energy supply, energy distribution, energy storage and energy use. We are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system through outstanding research results, successful industrial projects, company spin-offs and global collaborations.

Be part of change

The feed-in of renewable energy into the power grids is increasingly influenced by self-consumption, local storage, and electromobility. Knowing the feed-in is important for grid operators to ensure operational control and market activities. In addition to forecasting solar irradiance and PV power, our Energy Meteorology group develops new methods for upscaling PV feed-in. In the currently ongoing research project PVEV ( https://www.ise.fraunhofer.de/en/research-projects/pvev.html), we are working to optimize models for PV self-consumption estimation and, on that basis, to develop an algorithm for PV feed-in upscaling.

For participation in the PVEV project, we are seeking a student assistant starting on 01.03.2026, with the opportunity to write a master’s thesis on “Modeling PV feed-in with energy management in the transmission grid.” At the beginning, you will work on the research project as a student assistant. After several months of onboarding, you will begin working on the content and questions of your master’s thesis.

Your tasks include:

• You analyze various datasets on plant master data.
• You implement PV self-consumption estimation and PV upscaling, incorporating additional datasets.
• You compare and validate your approach against existing upscaling results.
• You document your results and present your findings in meetings and project meetings.
• You write your thesis and present it internally and externally.

What you contribute

• You study engineering, natural sciences, or a related field in a master's program and have been admitted to write your thesis.
• You have a strong interest in mathematical modeling and data analysis.
• You collaborate effectively with project partners and master's thesis supervisors.
• Knowledge of renewable energy and power grids is an advantage but not a requirement.
• You value contributing to your team and achieving goals collaboratively.
• You plan and complete tasks independently and to a high standard.
• You have strong analytical skills.
• You are proficient in scientific programming in Python.
• Ideally, you have already worked with databases and geographic information systems (GIS).

What we offer

• Exclusive insight: By working together with the scientists in our work unit, you will gain an insight into everyday research and development at a research institute.
• Research mix: We give you the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory and thus apply and expand your knowledge from your studies.
• Supervision: You will be supervised in your work by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: You will gain experience of working in a team by interacting with academic and student staff and will be able to contribute the experience you have already gained.
• Working hours and location: We offer you the opportunity to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs by arrangement and to work from home from time to time.
• Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and make room for 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 student assistant is agreed. Remuneration is based on the level of your university degree.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Ready for change? Apply now with your detailed application documents (including CV, cover letter, employment references/certificates and/or academic transcript) and make a difference! After we receive your online application, you will automatically receive a confirmation of receipt. We will then contact you as soon as possible to let you know the next steps.

Questions about this position will be answered by:
Tobias Zech
E-Mail: tobias.zech@ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 82653