Job Description

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

You want to play an active role in shaping the energy transition and be part of a highly motivated team? Then let’s contribute to this together through agrivoltaics (Agri-PV). Under the term Agri-PV, our group investigates photovoltaic systems that enable electricity generation on the same land that is used for agriculture. In doing so, we primarily aim for a resource-efficient use of agricultural land and for unlocking additional potential for the expansion of renewable energy sources. With us, you will actively contribute to achieving this goal. Together, we conduct research on, among other topics, the shade tolerance of crops, intelligent light management, synergy effects resulting from the dual use of land, possible policy support schemes, as well as the technical and economic assessment of potentials.

For our “Agrivoltaics” group, we are looking for a student assistant to start as soon as possible to support the following activities:

• You support detailed and harmonised research on parameters in the areas of microclimate, soil, crop cultivation and PV performance at various sites.
• You collect data from sensors, preprocess this data and analyse it.
• You assist in the development, configuration and installation of monitoring systems for Agri-PV plants.
• You maintain our PostgreSQL database, further develop the dashboard (Dash/Python/Grafana), add missing features and automate deployment using GitLab.
• You support the project management with organisational tasks.

What you contribute

• You are studying mechatronics, microsystems engineering, computer science or a related field.
• You already have experience in programming, ideally in Python (e.g. for data analysis with pandas).
• You are confident in working with Linux systems (shell/terminal).
• Knowledge of microcontroller programming, Modbus, LoRaWAN, remote sensing, web APIs, databases and statistical analysis is an advantage but not a requirement.
• Ideally, you have already worked with PostgreSQL, Git and TimescaleDB.
• It is important to you to contribute to your team with a high level of commitment and to achieve goals together.
• When facing challenges, you show perseverance and do not give up until you have achieved high-quality results.
• You are able to plan upcoming tasks independently and proactively, set priorities and manage your time effectively.
• You have good German language skills (at least level B1).

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.

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:
Tamara Bretzel
tamara.bretzel@ise.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 83562