PhD-Researcher Position (m/f/d) within the SE²A Research Cluster
Multidisciplinary analysis and design of components for the thermal
management of future aircraft configurations
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Temporary Position (up to 3 years), up to Salary Level EG 13 TV-L, 100%
Background:
The Cluster of Excellence SE²A - Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Aviation is a DFG-funded interdisciplinary
research center investigating technologies for a sustainable and eco-friendly air transport system. Scientists
from aerospace, electrical, energy and chemical engineering as well as economics and social science
are working on the reduction of drag, emissions and noise, life-cycle concepts for airframes, improvements
in air traffic management and new technologies for energy storage and conversion. Technische Universität
Braunschweig, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), Leibniz University Hannover (LUH), the Braunschweig
University of Art (HBK) and the National Metrology Institute of Germany (PTB) have joined forces in this
extraordinary scientific undertaking. The overall project is structured into the three core research areas
“Assessment of the Air Transport System”, “Flight Physics and Vehicle Systems” and “Energy Storage &
Conversion”.
(www.tu-braunschweig.de/en/se2a)
The Project:
The project breaks new technological
ground by exploring the previously
unknown design sensitivities resulting
from the coupling of the waste heat
transport from the fuel cells to the
aerodynamic surface via a cooling fluid and
the heat conduction through the surface
structure up to the heat transfer to the
aerodynamic flow around the aircraft
surface. In addition to the precise
numerical modelling of the individual disciplines involved and their couplings, a multidisciplinary thermal-
mechanical design of the corresponding skin panels will be developed here. In a team with other scientists,
a collaborative multidisciplinary analysis and optimisation environment is to be created that will make it
possible to explore and characterise such as yet unexplored multidisciplinary design spaces and to optimise
design solutions by means of algorithms.
Employment:
The position is located at the Institute of Aircraft Design and Lightweight Structures (IFL) (https://www.tu-
braunschweig.de/en/ifl) in Braunschweig. The entry date is as soon as possible, and the duration is initially
limited to 3 years with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 6 years. The position is part-time
suitable, but should be occupied 100%. For all doctoral researchers of the cluster, an active participation in
SE²A's own qualification programme is mandatory, the time effort for this training measure entails 10% of
the working time. The payment is made according to task assignment and fulfilment of personal
requirements up to salary group EG 13 TV-L. International applicants may have to successfully complete a
visa process before hiring can take place.
Task:
Exploration of the thermal-mechanical design space for aircraft panels for cooling fuel cells of
future aircraft configurations
Thermal-mechanical modelling, analysis and optimization of such aircraft panels using FE methods
including thermal flow-structure interactions
Co-development of a collaborative analysis and design environment
Publishing research results in scientific journals and at international conferences
Support the institute’s teaching activities (supervision of lectures and student theses)
Support research project acquisition and administrative tasks of the institute
Who we are looking for:
You have very good basic knowledge in the areas of thermal and mechanical modelling
You have very good basic knowledge of numerical, discretizing methods such as FEM or FVM
You have experience in using numerical simulation tools and good programming skills
You have a university degree (Master or equivalent) in engineering with above-average grades
You are a team player and independent, solution-oriented and structured
You are proficient in the English language for work in an international research environment
You are proficient in the German language to support the teaching activities of the institute.
What’s more to know:
We welcome applicants of all nationalities. At the same time, we encourage people with severe disabilities
to apply. Applications from severely disabled persons will be given preference if they are equally qualified.
Please attach a form of evidence of your handicap to your application. We are also working on the fulfilment
of the Central Equality Plan based on the Lower Saxony Equal Rights Act (Niedersächsisches
Gleichberechtigungsgesetz—NGG) and strive to reduce under-representation in all areas and positions as
defined by the NGG. Therefore, applications from women are particularly welcome in this case.
The personal data will be stored for the purpose of processing the application. By submitting your
application, you agree that your data may be stored and processed electronically for application purposes
in compliance with the provisions of data protection law. Further information on data protection can be
found in our data protection regulations at https://www.tu-braunschweig.de/datenschutzerklaerung-
bewerbungen . Application costs cannot be reimbursed.
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Questions and Answers:
For more information, please call Dr.-Ing. Matthias Haupt on +49 (0) 531 391-9917.
Application Process:
Applications should be sent by e-mail to m.haupt@tu-braunschweig.de or in printed form to
Technische Universität Braunschweig
Institut für Flugzeugbau und Leichtbau
Dr.-Ing. Matthias Haupt
Hermann-Blenk-Straße 35, D 38108 Braunschweig
until 15.07.2023 and must contain the following documents:
Motivation Letter
Curriculum Vitae including complete address, phone number, email address, educational
background, language skills, and work experience
Copies of bachelor and master diploma and transcript of grades in original language and in
English or German translation
Additional Documents must be provided on request
All documents should be in PDF format, preferably in a single file. Personal data and documents relating to
the application process will be stored electronically.
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