PhD Position – Prospective Environmental and Economic Assessment of a Data Center for the Einstein Telescope

At the Institute of Climate and Energy Systems – Jülich Systems Analysis (ICE-2), we investigate how sustainable, climate-neutral energy systems can be designed. To this end, the Department of Circular Economy researches and develops innovative methods and tools for a holistic assessment of upcoming technologies and circular economy concepts. To map these systematically, methods for (prospective) Life Cycle Sustainability Assessments (LCSA) are continuously being refined. In addition to minimizing environmental impacts and waste streams while maximizing resource efficiency, we analyze societal impacts and economic implications.

Your Job

The Einstein Telescope (ET), as a next-generation gravitational wave detector, will provide deeper insights into the universe than ever before. A major scientific project of this scale requires an unprecedented computing and storage infrastructure. Processing these enormous amounts of data in a future data center, however, consumes significant resources. The fundamental challenge is: How do we build and operate a high-performance computing infrastructure for cutting-edge research that simultaneously meets the highest environmental and economic standards?

Using a prospective life cycle assessment (pLCA) and a techno-economic analysis, you will evaluate the planned data center. The innovative technological concept for optimizing computing power integrates both batteries and the use of hydrogen to incorporate renewable energy sources.

Further development of methods for prospective life cycle assessment of data centers
Techno-economic evaluation of energy storage options for data centers and their integration into the overall system
Presentation of scientific results at national and international conferences
Publication of results in renowned scientific journals

Your Profile

Master’s degree in environmental, energy, industrial engineering, or a related field, with good grades
Interest in energy-related, environmental, and economic issues
Analytical and systems-based thinking, and the ability to take initiative
Initial experience in the field of life cycle assessment
Basic knowledge of Python
Excellent German and English language skills (at least C1 level according to the ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level
Ability and willingness to collaborate effectively within an international, interdisciplinary team

Our Benefits for You

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

Research & Infrastructure: You will have access to excellent scientific and technical facilities for your work
Team & Environment: You will work in a motivated team with an international and interdisciplinary focus – at one of the largest research institutions in Europe
Networking & Exchange: You will participate in (international) conferences and project meetings and actively build your scientific network, with the chance to participate in an exciting collaborative EU-funded research project with top-tier partners
Supervision & Support: We will accompany your doctoral studies with continuous, expert guidance from your academic supervisor
Work-life balance: We offer flexible working hours to help you balance your professional and personal life. You also have the option of flexible working (in terms of location), which is generally possible after consultation and in line with upcoming tasks and (on-site) appointments
Annual Leave: You get 30 days of annual leave
Knowledge & Development: Your professional development is important to us – we support you specifically and individually e.g., through training and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral candidates
Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site
Fair remuneration: Depending on your qualifications and assigned responsibilities, you will be classified according to pay group 13 (75%) of the TVöD-Bund. In addition to the basic salary, there is an additional year-end bonus under the collective pay agreement amounting to 75% of a monthly salary, as well as capital-forming benefits. All information about the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the (pay scale table on page 66 ff. of the PDF download)
Fixed-term: The position is initially limited to 3 years
Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: . Information on doctoral studies at Forschungszentrum Jülich, including its locations, can be found here: .

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: and on specific support options:

Place of Employment: Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Salary: Pay group 13 (75%) TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: The position will be published until it is successfully filled