Bachelor's/Master's Thesis in the Field of 'Water Use and Ecological Sustainability Assessment'

Development of approaches to operationalize the assessment of water use and its relation to available water reserves; Systematic review and comparison of existing concepts and indicators for water availability, water scarcity, and water stress; Development of an approach for regionalized mapping of water use in global supply chains, identification of hotspots, and investigation of aggregation levels; Adaptation and operationalization of existing allocation principles for the resource water; Application to a concrete example (water-intensive production process or industrial value chain) and, if applicable, development of a tool for recurring application.

Enrollment in the field of environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, or a comparable discipline; Enthusiasm for sustainability assessment of innovative technologies; Technical understanding and willingness to quickly familiarize oneself with a technical product system; Knowledge of life cycle assessment methodology (LCA according to DIN ISO 14040) or input-output analysis as well as absolute sustainability assessment or willingness to quickly and largely independently acquire such knowledge; Interest in regionalized assessment approaches and handling of spatially resolved data (GIS knowledge can be an advantage); Knowledge of Python and brightway2 can be an advantage; During the preparation of the student thesis, you demonstrate flexibility, reliability, communication skills, and motivation, and work independently, disciplined, and conscientiously on the research questions.

We offer you the supervision of a varied student thesis in which you can contribute to research on sustainable mobility and supply chains. Accessibility and equal opportunity: At Fraunhofer IST, we understand diversity and inclusion as a central part of our institute culture. Therefore, we actively work to remove barriers and create a work environment where all people are valued and included. Equal treatment of all employees is not only a matter of course for us – it forms the basis for good cooperation and ultimately for the success of our institute. We appreciate and promote the diversity of our employees' competencies and therefore welcome all applications – regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, worldview, disability, as well as sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in case of equal suitability. Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we find solutions together that optimally promote their abilities.