Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) - PhD students for "Research and Development in the Field of Combustion Systems with Optical Flow Diagnostics"

Research Assistant/Associate (f/m/d) - PhD students for "Research and Development in the Field of Combustion Systems with Optical Flow Diagnostics"

Application deadline: 03/11/2026

Institution

Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems

Our Profile

At the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME) and the Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) under the direction of Prof. Dr.-Ing. (USA) Stefan Pischinger, research on all topics concerning the vehicle powertrain is conducted. Core focus is still the research on conventional combustion engine development like the implementation of innovative engine designs, fundamental research on more efficient combustion processes also in combination with alternative fuels or the improvement of the engine mechanics and aftertreatment systems. Additional research areas include virtual engine development, hybrid powertrains, electromobility as well as fuel cells and mechatronics for combustion engines. At any time research is closely associated with the ongoing development of intelligent methods for test procedures and engine calibration. The Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems employs more than 260 scientific, technical and administrative employees as well as student assistants.

Your Profile

• Masters`s degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering with a focus on "combustion / thermodynamics", "fluid mechanics" or comparable

• Good knowledge of thermodynamics, combustion and internal combustion engines
• Experience with optical measurements
• Basic knowledge of laser optical methods (PIV, LIF etc.) for flow diagnostics desirable
• Experience in the use of analysis software (e.g. MATLAB) is desired.
• Good written and spoken English
• Ability to work independently as a scientist
• Creativity, flexibility, team orientation

Your Duties and Responsibilities

• Application and further development of methods of optical combustion and flow diagnostics
• Experimental work on different test benches (flow test bench, single cylinder, high pressure chamber etc.)
• Use of advanced optical measurement methods
• Development of new measuring techniques
• Development of new fields of application for established methods
• Extension of the task area with 3D CFD simulations possible
• Supervision and conduction of courses in English

What

We Offer

The successful candidate will be employed under a regular employment contract. The position is to be filled at the earliest possible date and offered for a fixed term of 1 year. An extension to 4 years in total is provided. The fixed-term employment is possible as it constitutes one of the fixed-term options of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (German Act on Fixed-term Scientific Contracts). This is a full-time position. The successful candidate has the opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree in this position. The salary is based on the German public service salary scale (TV-L). The position corresponds to a pay grade of EG 13 TV-L.

About us

RWTH is proud to be certified as a family-friendly university. As part of our Campus Health initiative, RWTH offers a wide range of health, counseling, and prevention services, including university sports. Employees under collective bargaining agreements and civil servants also benefit from a comprehensive continuing education program and the option to purchase a job ticket for convenient commuting. All University employees also have access to the Corporate Benefits online platform, which offers discounts on a wide range of products and services from participating companies. RWTH is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates and make employment decisions without regard to national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability or age. RWTH is especially committed to supporting the advancement of women in academia. When women are underrepresented in a university unit, preferential consideration will be given to female applicants among candidates of equal merit and professional standing, unless compelling reasons favor another individual. In keeping with RWTH’s commitment to equality of opportunity, we ask that you do not include a photo with your application. Please refer to https://www.rwth-aachen.de/applicant-privacy-policy for information about how we collect and process applicant data in accordance with Articles 13 and 14 of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Number V000011442

Application deadline 03/11/2026

Mailing Address

RWTH Aachen University Lehrstuhl für Thermodynamik Mobiler Energiewandlungssysteme (TME) Prof. Marco Günther Forckenbeckstrasse 4 52074 Aachen

Email

Applicants are invited to submit their applications via email. For data protection reasons, however, we recommend sending applications via mail.

Contact

Prof. Marco Günther

Work Phone: +49 241 80-48080