Available Funded Master Thesis at Helmholtz Centers

17 July 2023

Are you a passionate and ambitious student looking to embark on an enriching research journey? Helmholtz Centers, renowned scientific institutions in Germany, offer a multitude of funded master thesis opportunities that provide a gateway to cutting-edge research. In this post, Fastepo Team has listed all available Funded Master Thesis at different Helmholtz Centers (Helmholtz association of german research centers) in Germany. These Positions will be updated regularly.

Why Choose a Funded Master Thesis at Helmholtz Centers?

Pursuing a master’s thesis at Helmholtz Centers offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides you with an excellent opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and experts in your field. These centers are at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs, making them ideal places to explore innovative ideas and technologies.

Secondly, a funded master thesis ensures financial stability during your research journey. Helmholtz Centers offer various scholarships and stipends, easing the financial burden and allowing you to focus on your studies and research without the added stress of financial constraints.

Additionally, working at Helmholtz Centers exposes you to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge research equipment. These resources are essential for conducting high-quality experiments and analysis, enabling you to delve deeper into your research topic and develop invaluable practical skills.

Diverse Research Areas at Helmholtz Centers

Helmholtz Centers cover an extensive range of scientific disciplines, providing you with diverse research opportunities. Whether your interest lies in physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, or environmental sciences, there is a suitable master thesis project awaiting you.

In the field of physics, for instance, you can explore projects related to particle physics, astrophysics, or quantum mechanics. The chance to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries or develop new theoretical models awaits those who embark on these projects.

Biologists can delve into fascinating subjects like genetics, molecular biology, or neurobiology. Helmholtz Centers offer access to advanced laboratory facilities and unique research environments, allowing you to contribute to the advancement of medical and biological sciences.

Chemistry enthusiasts can explore projects focused on organic synthesis, materials science, or catalysis. By joining Helmholtz Centers, you can contribute to the development of sustainable materials and processes that have a profound impact on society and the environment.

For those interested in engineering, opportunities abound in areas such as energy systems, robotics, or automotive technology. The chance to work on cutting-edge engineering projects and contribute to the development of innovative solutions awaits aspiring engineers.

The Application Process

To apply for a funded master thesis at Helmholtz Centers, follow these general steps:

  1. Research: Explore the research areas and ongoing projects at the respective Helmholtz Center in this post. Identify a topic that aligns with your interests and academic background.
  2. Contact: Reach out to the designated contact person or supervisor listed for the specific project. Introduce yourself, express your interest in the project, and inquire about available opportunities.
  3. Application Submission: Prepare your application documents, including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and reference letters. Tailor your application to showcase your skills, motivation, and suitability for the specific research project.
  4. Interview and Selection: If shortlisted, you may be invited for an interview or further assessment. This step allows the selection committee to evaluate your potential and determine if you are the right fit for the project.
  5. Acceptance and Funding: If selected, you will receive an acceptance letter, along with details regarding funding, scholarship, or stipend arrangements. Review the terms and conditions, and promptly accept the offer to secure your position.

Available Funded Master Projects at Helmholtz Centers

Here, you can find the list of available Funded Master Projects at Helmholtz Centers with details.

Title: Master Thesis – Algorithm Development for Automated Memristor Control on a Neuromorphic Demonstrator Chip

Location: Central Institute of Engineering, Electronics and Analytics – Electronic Systems (ZEA-2) 

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The team is engaged in the NEUROTEC II project, advancing Beyond-Moore computing through the development of integrated circuits (ICs) that blend analog and digital components using modern CMOS technologies. This involves the creation of Memristive computing systems, incorporating Memristors into commercial CMOS processes alongside an integrated RISC-V processor. The master’s thesis will be pivotal in developing a control algorithm for Memristors, enabling automatic read and write operations, and integrating this into the processor. The role encompasses tasks from design and development of control algorithms to verification through simulations and measurements, culminating in the production of demonstrator chips within a 28 nm CMOS technology framework, along with thorough documentation and presentation of the work.

Requirements:

Candidates should be pursuing a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, with initial experience in CMOS circuit design and familiarity with the Cadence tool flow. Competency in digital circuitry (VHDL or Verilog) and programming languages (C/C++, Python) is expected, along with proficiency in English and preferably German. Applicants should be eager to learn, even if they do not meet all the qualifications. The position offers a chance to tackle pressing engineering challenges using cutting-edge technology, scientific mentorship, integration into a global research group, involvement in various development stages of an integrated circuit, and access to superb scientific and technical facilities. The organization supports flexible work arrangements, including partial remote work.

More Details and Apply.

Title: Master Thesis – Mesocopic phenomena in gate-controlled confined electron systems

Location: Peter Grünberg Institute – Electronic Materials (PGI-7)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The project aims to advance electronic systems using cutting-edge thin film technologies, with a focus on gate-tunable electronic transport within a 3-terminal device architecture. The successful candidate will delve into the realms of material synthesis, characterization, and device fabrication. They will be expected to investigate the intricacies of charge carrier behavior, particularly in relation to confinement and interaction with crystal defects, utilizing sophisticated laboratory methods such as pulsed laser deposition and atomic force microscopy.

Requirements:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in physics, materials science, or a related field.
  • Eligibility to enroll for a Master’s thesis.
  • An interest in nanoelectronics and mesoscopic transport phenomena.
  • A proactive approach to learning new scientific methods and tackling challenges.
  • Desirable prior knowledge in materials synthesis and electrical characterization.
  • Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
  • A motivated, reliable, and analytical approach to research.
  • Strong teamwork and cooperation skills.

Candidates not possessing all skills may still apply, as training is provided. The role offers a chance to contribute to significant societal advancements, with hands-on experience, in an environment conducive to professional networking and personal development. Support is provided through expert colleagues, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to

More Details and Apply.

Title: Master Thesis – Techno-Economic Potential of Battery Recycling

Location: Institute of Energy and Climate Research – Techno-economic Systems Analysis (IEK-3)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

This thesis, conducted in partnership with RWTH Aachen University’s Chair for Production Engineering of E-Mobility Components (PEM), focuses on analyzing the impact of raw material costs on battery pricing for transportation, and exploring the future scope of battery recycling. The successful candidate will engage in an extensive literature review of battery supply chains, scrutinize the evolution of raw material utilization and recycling advancements, gather data on battery technology, and model this data using Python. Furthermore, the thesis will involve forecasting battery and raw material demand, assessing the effect of raw material costs on future battery pricing, and conducting scenario-based analyses on battery recycling innovations to determine their techno-economic viability.

Requirements:

Candidates must possess a robust academic background, being actively enrolled in a Master’s degree in engineering (with a preference for energy technology, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering), or a similar field. A keen interest in transportation or energy subjects, coupled with the capability to work independently and analytically within a team, is essential. Proficiency in Python programming for modeling purposes is preferred. Excellent command of both English and German is required for effective communication.

More Details and Apply.

Title: Master Thesis – Light-driven multielectrode array (MEA) for dynamic neuroelectric stimulation and sensing

Location: Institute of Biological Information Processing (IBI-3)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

They will engage in cutting-edge research on light-responsive materials and conductive polymers. Their responsibilities include micro-nano fabrication in a cleanroom environment, performing detailed characterizations using advanced equipment such as AFM, Confocal laser microscopes, and SEM, and conducting cellular experiments. They are also tasked with the statistical analysis and evaluation of scientific data and will collaborate with a range of project partners, both locally and internationally. Keeping meticulous project records in a timely manner is crucial.

Requirements

Candidate Profile:

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. They should bring previous knowledge in polymer biomaterials, nanofabrication, and neuroengineering, with cellular evaluation experience being highly desirable. Proficiency in computational analysis using Python, MATLAB, or similar software will be considered an asset. They should have a keen interest in neuroelectronics and neural interfaces, coupled with a readiness to learn new methodologies and adapt to novel technologies and environments. Fluency in English and excellent communication skills are mandatory. An independent, motivated, and reliable working ethos, with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics, and the ability to work cooperatively in a team are essential traits.

More Details and Apply.

Title: Master Thesis – High Definition Packed Bed Chromatography

Location: institution for microbial biotechnology the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Biotechnology (IBG-1)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The project aims to advance chromatography simulations beyond the limitations of 1D and 2D models by implementing a 3D high-definition setup using the XNS solver from CATS, RWTH Aachen. This initiative targets resolving the inadequacies in current models that do not accurately reflect radial and angular column inhomogeneities by integrating a stabilized space-time Galerkin finite element method. The role’s essence is to enhance simulation accuracy and efficiency, capturing the complexities of packed-bed effects on flow and concentration within the column.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

  • Proficiency in Finite Element Method (FEM) for numerical simulations of complex systems.
  • Experience with parameter estimation, optimization, and high-performance computing to manage simulations at an extensive scale.
  • Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, Fortran, and/or C++.
  • Capability to independently implement sophisticated adsorption models, handle periodic simulations, and manage simulations with billions of elements.
  • A proactive and self-driven approach to work, with an ability to streamline and parallelize simulation processes efficiently.

More Details and Apply.

Title: Master Thesis – Efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo Techniques for Studying Large-scale Metabolic Models

Location: Institution for microbial biotechnology the Institute of Bio- and Geosciences – Biotechnology (IBG-1)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

This role centers around addressing the challenge of measuring enzyme activity within extensive biochemical networks, a key issue in Systems Biotechnology. The job entails deducing unknown parameters from imperfect models and error-prone data, utilizing Bayesian analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The project demands adapting MCMC techniques to metabolic flux inference, necessitating the creation of customized algorithms inspired by existing ones. The selected candidate will integrate these algorithms into a C++ framework, with further opportunities to verify and assess them through practical case studies. The project scope may vary, offering a focus on MCMC mathematical theory, coding for high-performance supercomputers, or a combination of theoretical and practical modeling work.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a strong motivation and a keen interest in probability theory, mathematics, and data science. Required technical skills include proficiency in C++ and Python programming, essential for realizing conceptual frameworks. An eagerness to engage in curiosity-driven, interdisciplinary research is a must. This role is suited for someone who is capable of developing innovative solutions and implementing them in a dynamic research environment.

More Details and Apply.

Title: Research Internship / Bachelor / Master Thesis – Development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolytic Cells (SOFC/SOEC)

Location: Institute for Energy and Climate Research – Fundamentals of Electrochemistry (IEK-9)

Deadline: Open Until Filled

Summary:

The role is designed to tackle the complex task of quantifying enzyme activity within large-scale biochemical networks, a fundamental issue in the field of Systems Biotechnology. It involves inferring unknown parameters from flawed models and inaccurate data through advanced Bayesian analysis and Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques. The individual in this position will be responsible for tailoring MCMC methods to suit metabolic flux analysis and devising novel algorithms influenced by existing ones. These algorithms will then be incorporated into a C++ framework, with the role extending to empirical validation and evaluation via case studies. Depending on project needs, the focus may shift between MCMC mathematical theory, advanced coding for supercomputers, or a blend of both theoretical and applied modeling.

Requirements: Candidates must be highly motivated with a profound interest in probability theory, mathematics, and data science. Technical expertise in C++ and Python is essential to materialize conceptual algorithms. A zest for exploratory, cross-disciplinary research is crucial. The position is best suited for individuals who excel in crafting innovative solutions and can adeptly apply them within a fast-paced research milieu.

More Details and Apply.

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