PhD Position – Simulation of the German Building Stock for Decarbonization using AI

Your Job:

The goal of this thesis is to evaluate and generate detailed transition path for the decarbonization of the German building stock. Based on data sets about residential and commercial buildings you evaluate plans to electrify the heat supply and the potential for the usage for hydrogen for different building types.
In this PhD Thesis methods of artificial intelligence are combined with a simulation (HiSim) and an optimization model (FINE).
During this thesis you have the opportunity to collect experience in the areas of data science, artificial intelligence, modeling, building heat supply and programming. After completing this thesis, you will have an extremely in depth understanding of the German building stock, building modeling.

Your tasks in detail:

• Further development of the software packages FINE and HiSim
  
• Using AI and data science for process data, cluster, validate, results processing and upscaling
  
• Literature research about heating systems, hydrogen heating and other heating technologies
  
• Research about possible and optimal decarbonization pathways
  
• Identification of the limits of the applicability of different technologies
  
• Applying FINE and HiSim to the German building stock
  
• Creation of reports and publications

Your Profile:

• Master`s degree in computer science, mechanical engineering, energy engineering, electrical engineering, environmental sciences, natural sciences, or a comparable course of study
  
• Knowledge of energy system modeling and building heating is an advantage
  
• Good programming skills, ideally in Python
  
• Interest in Data Science
  
• Distinct ability to work in a team as well as the ability to work cooperatively
  
• Independent and analytical way of working
  
• Fluent written and spoken English; German language skills advantageous

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Employment with one of Germany`s top 10 employers according to Glassdoor
  
• A highly motivated and international team in one of the largest research institutions in Europe
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure - optimal conditions for extensive system analyses
  
• Best conditions for successful work in a home office
  
• Opportunity to participate in (international) conferences
  
• Extensive offer of further education as support for a successful doctorate
  
• In general, a contract for a period of 3 years within the framework of a doctorate at RWTH Aachen University
  
• 30 days of annual leave as well as an arrangement for bridging days (e.g., between Christmas and New Year’s Day)
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.