PhD student Chemical Engineering (m/f/d)

The University of Applied Sciences Mannheim is a modern technical university. Over 5,000 students are qualified here in nine faculties. The university is leading in the research field among the universities of applied sciences and cooperates with many important companies. We offer a family-friendly, attractive environment in the middle of the Rhine-Neckar metropolitan region. The University of Applied Sciences Mannheim is looking for a*n PhD student (m/d) EC 13 TV-L, scope of employment 67 % Reference number 6037 P as part of the DFG funding initiative Transfer HAW/FH PLUS in the Faculty of Process and Chemical Engineering. The possibility for cooperative promotion is given and desired. The aim of the project is the autonomous, calibration-free process optimization of a chemical synthesis in the microreactor. The data-driven autonomous process optimization usually consists of three key components: (1) an automated laboratory setup (2) an optimization algorithm and (3) an online analysis platform for performance evaluation. The system conducts the experiments experimentally with little to no human intervention under the conditions specified by the algorithm until the optimization target (e.g. yield) is reached.

An automated microreactor plant with UV/Vis spectroscopy is to be built up as an online analysis within the scope of the project. A special challenge is the calibration effort for online analytics. Therefore, this project uses the Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR) as a calibration-free approach for concentration determination. An insight can be found here1.

Another focus of the work is the adaptation and expansion of the optimization algorithms. The Fisher Information Matrix (FIM) offers a promising approach to parameter estimation and model discrimination. The FIM is used to calculate the covariance matrix and is therefore an important instrument for evaluating the accuracy of the parameter estimation. The combination of FIM, model-based optimization algorithms and MCR is a promising method for improving autonomous process optimization, in particular with regard to the reduction of the required experimental points for achieving the optimization goal.

The focus of the activity is on experimental laboratory activity and evaluation. The site allows the active exchange with the participating project and industrial partners. The project is located at the interface of industry and academic research.

Implementation of research under the research project These include: Self-planning, performing and evaluating experiments in the microreactor conversion and construction of corresponding test levels Evaluation, comparison with literature, simulations Adaptation and extension of algorithms/programmes for data evaluation Presentation of results, publications Care of students in study and final work General laboratory activity

Master in Chemistry or Chem. -Ing good study performance (min. note 2.2) very good knowledge of German (min. B2) and good knowledge of English (min. B2) in word and writing well-founded knowledge of the solution of procedural or chemical problems by means of numerical mathematics or ready to work (Matlab, Python, etc.) practical experience in the chemical laboratory Industrial experience in the field of pharmaceutical, agricultural, and/or fine chemistry through profession, internships or thesis

the benefits of the public service on the basis of the TV-L, e.g. occupational pensions, asset-effective benefits and an annual special payment Work-Life Balance and Compatibility of Family and Occupation through Sliding Time, Central Advisory Services on ''Together on Campus' and voiio Alignment for education Working days on 24.12. and 31.12. Measures of occupational health management, university sports and corporate fitness Work in a convenient location with best VRN and DB connection, nextbike Sharing and JobBike Driving grants when using the job ticket The University of Applied Sciences Mannheim bears the predicate ''Total E-Quality''. The employment relationship is project-related and limited until 31.03.2029.

Highly disabled applicants (w/m/d) are given priority if appropriate. In order to increase the share of female employees, qualified women are explicitly asked to apply. .