PhD Student (f/m/d) Dynamic Modeling and Experimental Analysis of Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycles in Waste Heat Recovery

Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf HZDR (Forschungsstelle Leipzig)

01328 Dresden

Bewerbungsfrist: 2026-11-06

Overview

The Department of Thermal Energy and Process Technology at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics of Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf is looking for a PhD Student in Dynamic Modeling and Experimental Analysis of Supercritical CO2 Brayton Cycles in Waste Heat Recovery.

Characterization of dynamic load profiles of carbon-intensive waste heat recovery and power generation processes
Literature review of the state of the art in the field of dynamic operation of sCO2 cycles
Development and carrying out of an experimental matrix for a comprehensive study on steady-state and dynamic load behavior of sCO2 cycles using the CARBOSOLA test facility
Development of a dynamic model of a sCO2 Brayton cycle based on literature and experimental results
Simulation and optimization of the operating behavior of flexible energy systems with integrated sCO2 cycles, including control and operating strategies
Estimation of economic benefits of various potential control and operating strategies of sCO2 Brayton cycles via techno-economic analyses (TEA)
Contributions to the design recommendations and control strategies for modular sCO2 cycles for broader implementation and economies of scale
Scientific documentation and communication of results in the form of conference contributions and journal publications

Completed university studies (Master/Diploma) in the field of Process Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related field
Solid knowledge of thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer phenomena, process engineering, and process technology
Solid knowledge in process control theory (e.g., model predictive control, fuzzy control, etc.)
Willingness to work on numerical and experimental tasks
Excellent teamwork and communication skills in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
Motivation and self-discipline to carry out research independently
Excellent command of English (spoken and written)
Proficient programming skills (e.g., MATLAB, SIMULINK, Python, Dymola/Modelica) or other common process simulators

A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
A structured PhD program with a comprehensive range of continuing education and networking opportunities
Salary and social benefits in accordance with the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD-Bund) including 30 days of paid holiday leave, company pension scheme (VBL)
Depending on the personal qualifications, the candidate may be classified in salary group 13 according to TVöD-Bund
We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
Numerous company health management offerings
Employee discounts with well-known providers via the platform Corporate Benefits
An employer subsidy for the "Deutschland-Ticket Jobticket"

We look forward to receiving your application documents (including cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, etc.), which you can submit via our online-application-system.
Deadline: 6 November 2026