Technische Universität Berlin
Faculty III - Process Sciences, Institute of Energy technology / Heat transfer and heat conversion
Research Assistant - salary grade E13 TV-L Berliner Hochschulen
Part-time employment may be possible
About us
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to join an interdisciplinary project focused on the development and demonstration of a thermally driven adsorptive cooling storage unit as a mobile refrigeration solution. The aim is to design a compact, lightweight, and robust cooling unit based on the natural refrigerant water, suitable for the transport of temperaturesensitive goods such as food, organs, or vaccines. The system utilizes various renewable energy sources including solar thermal energy, waste heat, and surplus renewable electricity, and stores the recovered heat thermochemically, allowing for later, power-free, and environmentally friendly cooling in both stationary and mobile applications.
The TU Berlin contributes to all stages of the development process from Simulation to prototype construction. The university is responsible for the model-based design and simulation of the adsorption cooling unit, supports the evaluation of suitable sorption materials and heat exchanger concepts, and collaborates with an industrial partner on the design and construction of the prototype. A test bench will be established at TU Berlin for measurement and validation of the prototype. The project is carried out in close cooperation with two industrial partners based in Berlin. lt is intended that the developed components will be further developed, manufactured, and eventually commercialized or licensed by the industrial partners.
Your responsibility
- adaptation of existing simulations from the previous project
- assessment of design options and estimation of performance limits under varying boundary conditions
- validation and improvement of simulation models based on experimental data
- support of construction activities at the test bench and assistance during prototype measurements
- supervision of student assistants and thesis projects within the scope of the research project
- dissemination of project results through publications and presentations at international conferences
- contribution to project management and organization of project meetings
Your profile
- successfully completed university degree (Diploma, Master or equivalent) in Energy or Process Engineering, Engineering Science, or a closely related field
- sound understanding of heat transfer, sorption technology, and refrigeration systems; demonstrated through relevant coursework, project work, or professional experience
- experience in steady-state and dynamic modelling of system components such as heat exchangers and piping
- proficiency in data processing, analysis, and visualization tools, and basic programming skills, e.g. in Python or Matlab
- good command of German and/or English, with willingness to acquire the missing language skills
- demonstrated experience in academic or collaborative research projects (is desirable)
- structured, independent working style and ability to work in a team (is desirable)
- friendly and clear communication skills (is desirable)
What we offer
- participation in a practical, interdisciplinary research project on sustainable and mobile cooling technologies with strong industrial relevance
- integration into a research group with long-standing expertise in sorption and compression technologies
- opportunity to pursue a PhD within the scope of the research project
- flexible working hours and a modern research environment with access to wellequipped laboratory and workshop facilities
How to apply
Please send your application with the usual documents (at minimum consisting of a convincing letter of motivation, CV, certificates), stating the reference number, exclusively by e-mail in a single PDF file to Prof. Dr. Stefan Elbel - via: III-540-25@wuw.tu-berlin.de
Please be aware that incomplete applications will not be considered in the further application process.
By submitting your application via email you consent to having your data electronically processed and saved. Please note that we do not provide a guarantee for the protection of your personal data when submitted as unprotected file. Please find our data protection notice acc. DSGVO (General Data Protection Regulation) at the TU staff department homepage: https://www.abt2-t.tu-berlin.de/menue/themen_a_z/datenschutzerklaerung/.
To ensure equal opportunities between women and men, applications by women with the required qualifications are explicitly desired. Qualified individuals with disabilities will be favored. The TU Berlin values the diversity of its members and is committed to the goals of equal opportunities. Applications from people of all nationalities and with a migration background are very welcome.
Facts
| Published | 18.12.2025 |
|---|---|
| Number of employees | rund 7000 |
| Category | Research assistant |
| Location | Germany, Berlin, Berlin, Charlottenburg |
| Area of responsibility | Academia and research, Research (academic) |
| Start date (earliest) | Earliest possible |
| Duration | limited until 31/03/2028 |
| Full/Part-time | full-time, Part-time employment may be possible |
| Remuneration | Salary grade 13 TV-L Berliner Hochschulen |
| Homepage | https://www.tu.berlin/en/wuw |
Requirements
| Qualification | Master, Diplom or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Field of study | Engineering, Energy and process engineering, Physics |
Contact
| Reference number | III-540/25 |
|---|---|
| Contact person | Prof. Dr. Stefan Elbel |
| Contact email | III-540-25@wuw.tu-berlin.de |
Apply
| Application deadline | 02.01.2026 |
|---|---|
| Reference number | III-540/25 |
| By post | Technische Universität Berlin
|
| By email | III-540-25@wuw.tu-berlin.de |