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Technical University of Munich

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Research Associate PhD Position in Geothermal District Cooling, Design, Integration and Operational Optimization Technical University of Munich in Germany

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Environmental Science

Funding

Full-time position classified as TV-L E13 and limited under WissZeitVG. The role is intended for scientific qualification with the goal of a doctorate; no stipend amount is stated.

Deadline

Nov 6, 2026

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Country

Germany

University

Technical University of Munich

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Keywords

Environmental Science
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Python Programming
Digital Twin Technology
Integrable Systems
Refrigeration Engineering
Thermal Energy Storage
Optimisation
Thermodynamics

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About this position

Technical University of Munich is advertising a full-time Research Associate position in the area of geothermal district cooling, focused on the design, integration, and operational optimization of innovative cooling plants.

The project involves planning, implementing, and scientifically monitoring two geothermally supplied district cooling systems over several years of real-world operation. The work centers on central cooling plants that combine absorption chillers, compression chillers, storage tanks, recoolers, and reversible technologies. A major part of the role is the development and validation of digital twins from the planning stage through commissioning and operation, with the aim of enabling flexible, optimized operation and increasing the geothermal coverage share while reducing electrical peak loads.

Typical tasks include system design and integration, evaluation of refrigeration system variants, system simulation, development of optimized operating strategies, support for execution planning and tendering, creation of measurement and monitoring concepts, scientific accompaniment of commissioning and operation, analysis of real operating data, and publication/presentation of results at national and international conferences.

Applicants should have an above-average degree in mechanical engineering, energy engineering, process engineering, supply engineering, or a related field. Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and refrigeration/energy technology is required. Experience with system simulation or plant planning and programming in Python is desirable. The post also requires strong teamwork and communication skills, an independent and structured working style, and German at C1 level due to close coordination with local stakeholders.

The position is full-time, classified as TV-L E13, and limited under WissZeitVG. It is intended for scientific qualification toward a PhD. Applications should be submitted by email as a PDF to [email protected] with the subject line “Bewerbung Kältezentrale”. The deadline is 6 November 2026.

Funding details

Full-time position classified as TV-L E13 and limited under WissZeitVG. The role is intended for scientific qualification with the goal of a doctorate; no stipend amount is stated.

What's required

An above-average completed university degree in mechanical engineering, energy engineering, process engineering, supply engineering, or a similar field is required. Strong knowledge of thermodynamics and refrigeration/energy technology is expected. Experience with system simulation or plant planning and programming skills in Python are desirable. Applicants should have an interest in applied research and collaboration with industry and operators, plus a structured, independent, solution-oriented working style, teamwork, communication skills, and German language skills at least at C1 level.

How to apply

Prepare a complete application with cover letter, CV, certificates, and optionally recommendation letters. Send it by email as a PDF, preferably in a single file, to [email protected]. Use the subject line “Bewerbung Kältezentrale”.

More information can be found here

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