Research Associate in the Raw Materials Business Unit in Karlsruhe bei Systems and Innovation Research

Fraunhofer ISI in Karlsruhe is a globally recognized center of excellence in innovation research. The diff erent focuses of our seven CompetenceCenters enable us to address key issues of innovation dynamics and system transformation in an interdisciplinary manner and from a holisticperspective. The institute off ers unparalleled opportunities to apply and develop new approaches in innovation research. It has close links tonumerous universities and research organizations both within Germany and abroad. Our leading position in theory- and evidence-basedconsultation gives our employees unique access to national and international stakeholders in politics and business.

The position is located in the Competence Center "Sustainability and Infrastructure Systems" and is to be filled as soon as possible. The Competence Center is concerned with the transformation of socio-technical systems in the direction of sustainability.

What you will do

• You are a doctoral candidate in the doctoral program at Fraunhofer ISI based on a four-year contract. You are writing your thesis at the intersection of project work and your own independent scientific research with a strong focus on current issues in applied research and are supervised externally at a university.
• Your work in the future will focus on issues relating to the interplay of material flows (from mining to recycling), technological developments and security of supply.
• Important tools that you use are dynamic material flow analysis (MFA) and criticality analysis.
• You carry out your work initially as part of the long-term Fraunhofer lead project ORCHESTER (https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/fraunhofer-leitprojekt-orchester/).
Collaboration on other national and international research and service projects for clients from industry, politics and science is possible.

What you bring to the table

• You have successfully obtained a university degree (diploma or master’s degree) in the field of industrial engineering, engineering or natural sciences.
• You also intend to do a PhD and are interested in the interplay between people, technology and business.
• Experience with system dynamics and quantitative methods of modeling and mapping material flows is an advantage.
• You are open to new ideas and methods, are highly cooperative and document your work in a structured and transparent manner.
Finally, you have good communication skills and are able to present work results convincingly in English - and preferably also in German - both orally and in writing.

What you can expect

• ISI doctoral program: The doctoral program at Fraunhofer ISI is very closely linked to the research topics and projects in the CompetenceCenter and consists of an orientation phase (1 year) followed by a dissertation phase (3 years).
• Support and mentoring: Our PhD students receive support right from the start in the form of in-house mentoring as well as a wide range offurther education opportunities. Regular colloquia give doctoral students the opportunity for intensive discussions and informationexchanges with experienced researchers and supervisors. Direct supervision ensures the focused treatment of your PhD topic.
• Working as a team: You work independently and take on responsibility in highly motivated teams. Our employees benefi t from our fl athierarchy, which promotes an autonomous approach to work.
• Infrastructure: Our workplaces are equipped with the latest technology.
• Personal development: We help you to advance both your career and your personal development through extensive and targeted trainingand career programs.
• Compatibility of work and family life: A good work-life balance is important to our employees. Fraunhofer ISI off ers fl exible working hoursand the opportunity for telework. To further support you, we have cooperation agreements with childcare facilities close to the institute aswell as emergency childcare and homecare/eldercare off ers.
• Health and fi tness: We look after our employees and off er a range of sport and health-related options.
• Equal opportunities and diversity: Diff erent experiences and backgrounds are the driving force behind creative ideas and concepts and thusfor innovations. We consider diversity to be an enrichment for the work at Fraunhofer. We try to make our teams as balanced as possible –made up of diff erent genders, age groups, cultures and disciplines.

The position is limited to 4 years.