PhD Position, research assistant (f/m/d) on solid-state elastocaloric cooling

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9.800 employees of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation.

The Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) offers as soon as possible and limited for 3 years a

PhD Position, research assistant (f/m/d) on on solid-state elastocaloric cooling

Part time 75 %

You will develop a next-generation high-performance elastocaloric cooling device using microfluidics-based shape memory alloys. Our goal is to upscale the cooling capacity of the device, transitioning from microwatts (mW) to several hundred watts (100 W), while simultaneously enhancing temperature lift to unlock new avenues for sustainable cooling application. The project holds particular relevance for various applications, encompassing battery thermal management in electric vehicles, the cooling of critical electronic components, as well as ensuring the safe transport of perishable goods.

You have the following tasks:

• Design and fabricate microchannels within superelastic SMA materials
• Characterization of superelastic shape memory alloys (mechanical, thermal, fatigue life)
• Modelling, design and simulation (FEM multiphysics, lumped element modelling)
• Rapid prototyping (optical lithography, 3D printing, laser technology)
• Development, characterization and control of cooling demonstrator variants
• Simulation-based design optimization

The activity offers the opportunity for a part-time doctorate.

The institute is equipped with an expansive array of state-of-the-art facilities, including a 600 m² clean room, advanced rapid prototyping capabilities like lithography, 3D printing and laser cutting, construction and connection technology labs, as well as various metrology laboratories.

This position is funded by the Hector Fellow Academy (HFA). As a recipient of this funding, you will have the opportunity to engage in various activities within the HFA, including participation in the yearly symposium, in the networking and training events, and in an annual management module of the Hector School. For more information, please see: https://hector-fellow-academy.de/en/young-scientist-support/.

Personal qualification

• MSc in the mechanical engineering field or a related field
• In-depth knowledge of mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, heat transfer, microsystems technology
• Experience in CAD, Lumped element modelling and/or FEM simulation and/or MATLAB programming, thermal characterization, mechanical testing
• High proficiency in spoken and written English

Become a member of staff of the only German University of Excellence that conducts large-scale research on the national level. Work under excellent working conditions in an international environment and be active in research and academic education for our future. Benefit from specific training when starting your job and from a wide range of further qualification offers. Use our flexible working time models (flexitime, work from home), our sports and leisure offers, as well as our child and holiday care services. We also pay a share of EUR 25/month in the Job Ticket Baden-Württemberg. Enjoy a large variety of dishes, snacks, and beverages at our canteens.

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Please apply online until 30.04.2025 using the vacancy number 31/2025 to Ms Bärbel Gätcke, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Human Resources, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany. For further information, please contact Dr. Jingyuan Xu, email: jingyuan.xu@kit.edu.

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KIT – The Research University in the Helmholtz Association