PhD student in the field of "Mathematics to improve resource efficiency"

The Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM is the world's largest institute for industrial mathematics and is one of the top employers in Germany. In the Optimisation department, we use multi-criteria optimisation methods to develop innovative solutions for the diverse challenges faced by our customers from a wide range of industries. The results of our research work are of direct benefit to industry and society. Examples of this include the optimised irradiation of tumours and the planning of ground-mounted photovoltaic systems.

In order to increase resource and energy efficiency in production, the Fraunhofer ITWM develops prediction models on the basis of which process optimisations are carried out. These models are calibrated by adapting model parameters to measurement data. The quality of this adjustment is a decisive factor for the quality of the prediction models. The quality of the fit depends not only on the measurement accuracy, but also on the design of the measurements. Typically, this experimental design task is addressed by linearisation in the model parameters. In process engineering and biotechnology, however, one often has to deal with strongly non-linear relationships. The subject of this work is the development and investigation of methods to take into account non-linear relationships in the design of experiments in such a way that a practical benefit for industrial application arises.

What you will do

As part of your doctorate, you can investigate the following questions:

• How can uncertainties be quantified as reliably as possible?
• How do non-linearities in the prediction model affect the experimental design?
• How can the problem be formulated and solved with practical relevance?
• Which optimisation methods are particularly suitable or how do they need to be adapted?
• How can helpful, interactive software tools for decision support be designed?

What you bring to the table

• A scientific university degree in mathematics, computer science or physics
• High level of abstraction and mathematical problem-solving skills
• Enjoy applied mathematical optimisation and motivation to implement your models and algorithms in software
• Ideally knowledge of mathematical modelling and numerical methods, for example from non-linear optimisation
• Willingness and interest in familiarising yourself with new topics and concepts
• Good German and English to communicate complex issues clearly

What you can expect

• Work in small, agile project teams on innovative mathematical questions and wide-ranging design options
• Insights into requirements and challenges from industrial practice while you research your doctoral topic free from project obligations
• Support in acquiring domain knowledge and IT skills as part of your familiarisation phase
• Comprehensive training programme on various mathematical methods and IT topics as well as soft skills
• Opportunities to publish scientific papers and take part in conferences
• Flexible working hours and support programmes for a good work-life balance

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. 

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future. 

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Please contact us if you have any questions: 

Pro. Dr. Michael Bortz: michael.bortz@itwm.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWM

Requisition Number: 73375