Student Assistant: Development of open software for the planning of integrated mini grids for sustainable water, energy, and food supply

Reiner Lemoine Institute is an independent non-profit research institution that contributes to a transformation towards a sustainable energy supply based on 100 % renewable energy. Our three research fields are Transformation of Energy Systems, Mobility with Renewable Energy, and Off-Grid Systems. We conduct applied research to scientifically support the long-term transition of the energy supply system towards renewable energy.

We are looking for a Student Assistant (f/m/d) to work on the subject

Project development, research and administrative support in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goal 7

within the Research Unit Off-Grid Systems.
Reference Number: OffGrid_103_23042024

Description:

In the Research Unit Off-Grid Systems, we focus on strategies for renewable-energy-based power supply in devel-oping and emerging regions. We apply open source methods and software, collaborate with our partners on equal terms and emphasize the sustainability of our research results.

In our project OptiMG we are focusing on extending RLI’s open energy modeling approach by the dimensions water, food, and environment. The aim is to develop data collection, modeling, and design software for the planning of integrated mini grids which shall provide sustainable energy, water, and food services in remote areas. The software is developed and disseminated by an international consortium and tested along African case studies.

Your tasks:

• Development of Water-Energy-Food System Optimization Models (Python-based)
• GUI development
• Application of developed software for case studies

Your profile:

• Candidates must be enrolled in a master’s degree program, preferably Computer Science, Environmental Engineering, Sustainable Systems or a related relevant field
• Residence and right of abode in Germany is required
• Excellent English language skills are required (C1)
• Very good Python skills are a prerequisite
• Expertise/experience in mini grids and water-energy-food nexus is a plus
• Identification with the RLI Values
• We expect successful candidates to work independently, systematically, and thoroughly with minimal supervision

What we offer:

• A friendly and open work environment with a young team (RLI currently has about 100 employees, with 40 students)
• A transparent and participatory organizational culture
• Participation in an interdisciplinary, international research team
• Academic support and supervision
• Opportunity to gain initial experience in the field of applied renewable energy research
• Flexible working hours and the possibility to work (partially) remotely, according to your needs
• Office on the Science Campus Adlershof, excellent public transport access

Conditions:

• Position to be filled as of 01.06.2024
• Fixed-term contract for 12 months (extension possible)
• Between 40 and 80 hours per month (according to your needs)
• Wage 15.00 EUR/hour
• Option to write a bachelor’s / master’s thesis based on the research conducted in this position – please indicate in your application if you are interested

Contact:

Kindly upload your application (cover letter, CV, transcript of records) in one single PDF file with the file name YourFirstname.YourLastname here:

Apply now

We regret that we cannot consider applications that do not meet these criteria or are sent to us in other ways.

Questions regarding tasks and scope of the work are answered by Julian Fleischmann.
Your contact person for the application process is Patricia Kneiert.

RLI has signed the German Diversity Charter (Charta der Vielfalt). We welcome and value diversity in our institute and, in addition to our commitment to the energy transition, we actively advocate for the equality of all people. You and your application are welcome with us! Sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnicity, religion, world view within the Liberal Democratic Basic Order, disability, or age do not play a role.