Student Assistant (f/m/d): Social impact essesment

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research institutions throughout Germany and is the world’s leading applied research organization. Around 30 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 2.9 billion euros. 

Fraunhofer ISI in Karlsruhe is a globally recognized center of excellence in innovation research. The different focuses of our seven Competence Centers enable us to address key issues of innovation dynamics and system transformation in an interdisciplinary manner and from a holistic perspective. The institute offers unparalleled opportunities to apply and develop new approaches in innovation research. It has close links to numerous universities and research organizations both within Germany and abroad. Our leading position in theory- and evidence-based consultation gives our employees unique access to national and international stakeholders in politics and business.

What you will do

Background: 
The concept of Circular Economy within the European Union aims to foster more sustainable production and consumption patterns by creating a system where products and materials remain in use for as long as possible. Raw material technologies play a key role in driving the transition to a circular economy by facilitating the sustainable use, reuse, and recycling of materials which in turn: i.) Reduces over-exploitation of resources ii.) Minimizes waste iii.) Lowers environmental footprint of production processes, amongst other benefits. However, it is equally important to incorporate social considerations by assessing and addressing social impacts and hotspots. This approach ensures that the shift toward a circular economy delivers benefits not only for the environment and the economy but also for society.    
The student assistant will provide support in evaluating the social impacts of selected raw materials, both before and after the adoption of the proposed technologies.

Tasks:

Literature Review: Conduct a literature review to assess the current state of social impacts within the supply chain of the selected raw materials.
Social Impact Assessment Modelling: Based on the literature review and the proposed technologies, develop scenarios to model the changes in social impact for the selected raw materials and technologies, evaluating the shifts before and after their adoption.

What you bring to the table

• Strong interest in the supply chain of raw materials (particularly metals) within the European union 
• Ability to work independently and manage tasks efficiently 
• Good English skills, written and verbal, German language is an added advantage 
• Good background knowledge in circular economy
• Familiarity with the Social Hotspot Database (SHDB) is preferred, but not required.
  

What you can expect

• Employment as a student assistant at the Fraunhofer ISI in Karlsruhe. The monthly working time is between 40 – 43 hours. The position is initially limited to 12 months.
• Interdisciplinarity: Our project teams are formed by employees from a wide range of disciplines. In this way, different approaches, ways of thinking and methods are brought in and our projects are worked on in an interdisciplinary way.
• Flexibility: Fraunhofer ISI offers flexible working hours that are tailored to study needs. A permanent presence at the Institute in Karlsruhe is possible but not necessary during the analysis 
• Infrastructure: Our workplaces are equipped with the latest technology.
  

The monthly working time is between 40-43 hours. The position is initally limited to one year. 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!

Ann Kamamia

0721 6809 515

ann.wahu.kamamia@isi.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Systems and Innovation Research ISI

Requisition Number: 77219                Application Deadline: 12/31/2024