Practical trainings, student assistants and theses

The detachment of particles by a turbulent flow is a complex phenomenon with significant relevance in both environmental and industrial systems. This phenomenon is governed by a subtle balance between fluid and resisting forces. Until now, resuspension from a multilayer bed composed of particles with different densities remains poorly understood. The objective of this project is the investigation of particle detachment from a bed with two distinct solid particles.

This project is experimental. The student will use high-speed imaging techniques to capture the early-stage detachment and transport behavior of particles, analyzing the influence of bed configuration and turbulence intensity. The investigation includes a comparison between the experimental resuspension threshold of particles with predictions from the classical Shields diagram. In addition, there might be the opportunity to participate in experiments using the Ultrafast X-ray Computed Tomography system at HZDR, offering unique insight into the internal dynamics of the sediment beds and particle resuspension.

• Field of study in mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, fluid mechanics, physics, or a similar field of study
• Interest in experimental investigation
• Experience with Python or Matlab and Image post-processing
• Good written and oral communication skills in English

The following tasks are mainly to be worked on:

• Experimental investigation of particle resuspension using high-speed imaging techniques
• Analysis of measurement data, including image processing and visualization
• Assistance in preparing and performing experiments in the Ultrafast X-ray laboratory at HZDR
• Determination of the resuspension rate of the low-density particles from the sediment bed

Conditions:

• The work will be performed at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR)
• Duration of the internship or thesis according to the study regulations: min. 5 months
• Start Date: August 2025
• Remuneration according to HZDR internal regulations

The application of phage surface display (PSD) technology has accelerated developments in the field of biomolecular sensors and
materials science. A practical complement to this technology is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). In this combination, a more
comprehensive view of biopanning rounds with a deep insight into the entire sequence space is made possible. It is possible to
identify sequencing artefacts, determine sequence number and structure, recognize binding motifs and observe the evolution of the
phage library over the course of an experiment. PSD in combination with biopanning is able to select candidates with high affinity and
selectivity to the desired substrates from large peptide libraries. In practice, this specific enrichment of peptides leads to a reduction
in library diversity. It should therefore be possible to better visualize this reduction in sequence space using data clustering methods
in order to better understand distances between similar sequence families.
The student's task is to find suitable clustering methods for sequencing results from multiple phage display experiments and to apply
these if necessary. It should be clear from the results to what extent the sequence space can be grouped into families and whether a
mutation profile within and between these families is recognizable.

Prerequisite is a valid enrollment in a Master's program in bioinformatics, biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry,
biology or a related natural science program. Furthermore:

• Interest in data cluster methods and bioinformatics
• Basic knowledge of bioinformatics, statistics, stochastics and clustering
• Experience with a programming language (e.g. Python, R, C, C++ or other)
• Ability to work independently and in a team

The topic is to be worked on as part of a Master's thesis in conjunction with a voluntary or mandatory internship. This
results in a duration of 12 months. The duration can be extended or adjusted in consultation with the supervisor. We can
offer you:

• An innovative multidisciplinary research environment related to relevant issues in resource technology
• Supervision by experienced scientists
• Practical experience in the field of bioinformatics and directed evolution

Die Schließung von Stoffkreisläufen ist eine der gesellschaftlichen Herausforderung unserer Zeit und die Voraussetzung für eine nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft. Hierfür ist es notwendig, eine neue Generation adaptiver und entsprechend modularisierter Aufbereitungssysteme zu etablieren, die mit Hilfe von Industrie4.0 flexibel Rohstoffe aller Art aus komplexen Materialströmen wie z. B. Elektronikschrott zurückgewinnen können. Das setzt eine konsequente Digitalisierung und die Anbindung adaptiver und flexibler Ressourcentechnologien voraus. Mit Hilfe der geplanten Zerkleinerungs- und Trennanlagen soll die Einsatzbreite verschiedener Technologien untersucht, verglichen und spezifiziert werden. Ein shuttlebasiertes Logistiksystem verbindet die unterschiedlichen verfahrenstechnischen Maschinen. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll hierzu eine automatisierte Abkippvorrichtung für die Shuttles entwickelt und getestet werden.

Die wesentlichen Aufgabenpunkte der Arbeit:

• Recherche zum Stand der Technik, zu Vor- und Nachteilen sowie zur wirtschaftlichen Betrachtung verschiedener Lösungen
• Konstruktion als Variantenstudie und Aufbau der Vorzugsvariante
• Experimentelle Phase mit Test und Bestimmung der Einsatzgrenzen (prototypische Umsetzung) sowie Ableiten von Verbesserungsmaßnahmen
• Auswertung, Darstellung und Dokumentation der Ergebnisse in einer Arbeit

• Gute Konstruktionskenntnisse in CAD-Software
• Bastlerisches Geschick
• Selbstständiges und zuverlässiges Arbeiten

• Studentische Arbeit, sofern möglich in Vollzeit
• Starttermin: in Absprache
• Finanzierung: Vergütung nach HZDR-internen Regelungen

Die Schließung von Stoffkreisläufen ist eine der gesellschaftlichen Herausforderung unserer Zeit und die Voraussetzung für eine nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft. Hierfür ist es notwendig, eine neue Generation adaptiver und entsprechend modularisierter Aufbereitungssysteme zu etablieren, die mit Hilfe von Industrie 4.0 flexibel Rohstoffe aller Art aus komplexen Materialströmen wie z. B. Elektronikschrott zurückgewinnen können. Das setzt eine konsequente Digitalisierung und die Anbindung adaptiver und flexibler Ressourcentechnologien voraus. Mit Hilfe der geplanten Zerkleinerungs- und Trennanlagen soll die Einsatzbreite verschiedener Technologien untersucht, verglichen und spezifiziert werden. Ein shuttlebasiertes Logistiksystem verbindet die unterschiedlichen verfahrenstechnischen Maschinen. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll hierzu eine automatisierte Abkippvorrichtung für die Shuttles entwickelt und getestet werden.

Aufgabenpunkte der Arbeit:

• Recherche zum Stand der Technik, Vor- und Nachteilen sowie zur wirtschaftlichen Betrachtung verschiedener Lösungen
• Konstruktion von Konzepten und Aufbau einer Vorzugsvariant
• Experimentelle Phase (Test und Bestimmung der Einsatzgrenzen (prototypische Umsetzung), Ableiten von Verbesserungsmaßnahmen)
• Auswertung, Darstellung und Dokumentation der Ergebnisse

• Gute Kenntnisse in CAD-Anwendungen
• Bastlerisches Geschick
• Selbstständiges und zuverlässiges Arbeiten

Die Schließung von Stoffkreisläufen ist eine der gesellschaftlichen Herausforderung unserer Zeit und die Voraussetzung für eine nachhaltige Kreislaufwirtschaft. Hierfür ist es notwendig, eine neue Generation adaptiver und entsprechend modularisierter Aufbereitungssysteme zu etablieren, die mit Hilfe von Industrie 4.0 flexibel Rohstoffe aller Art aus komplexen Materialströmen wie z. B. Elektronikschrott zurückgewinnen können. Das setzt eine konsequente Digitalisierung und die Anbindung adaptiver und flexibler Ressourcentechnologien voraus. Mit Hilfe der geplanten Zerkleinerungs- und Trennanlagen soll die Einsatzbreite verschiedener Technologien untersucht, verglichen und spezifiziert werden. Ein shuttlebasiertes Logistiksystem verbindet die unterschiedlichen verfahrenstechnischen Maschinen. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit soll hierzu eine automatisierte Abkippvorrichtung für die Shuttles entwickelt und getestet werden.

Aufgabenpunkte der Arbeit:

• Recherche zum Stand der Technik, Vor- und Nachteilen sowie zur wirtschaftlichen Betrachtung verschiedener Lösungen
• Konstruktion von Konzepten und Aufbau einer Vorzugsvariant
• Experimentelle Phase (Test und Bestimmung der Einsatzgrenzen (prototypische Umsetzung), Ableiten von Verbesserungsmaßnahmen)
• Auswertung, Darstellung und Dokumentation der Ergebnisse

• Gute Kenntnisse in CAD-Anwendungen
• Bastlerisches Geschick
• Selbstständiges und zuverlässiges Arbeiten

Vanadium is a strategic metal with growing demand in high-strength steel alloys, aerospace applications, and energy storage systems-particularly vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs). With increasing interest in sustainable metal recovery, alternative sources such as titaniferous magnetite-bearing ores are gaining attention due to their vanadium potential.
We are offering a combined internship and master thesis project focused on investigating and optimizing hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent extraction and membrane separation for the selective extraction and recovery of vanadium from a titaniferous magnetite-bearing resource at various experimental conditions

• Background in metallurgy, chemical/process engineering, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Strong interest in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and sustainable resource management.
• Laboratory experience in leaching, solvent extraction, or similar techniques is highly appreciated.

• Conduct literature review on titaniferous magnetite resources and applications in vanadium recovery
• Develop a selective and efficient hydrometallurgical route for vanadium recovery
• Generate process data supporting the utilization of low-grade titaniferous magnetite resources
• Prepare a comprehensive thesis report and, if possible, present findings at relevant conferences or workshops
• Duration: 6 months
• Start Date: Start in September 2025 is possible
• Funding: Remuneration according to HZDR internal regulations

Emerging pollutants, such as pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pose significant environmental and health risks due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. Conventional treatment methods often fail to effectively remove these contaminants from water systems. This master’s thesis focuses on an advanced hybrid approach combining bioflotation with hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) to enhance pollutant removal efficiency. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this method in degrading or separating pharmaceuticals and PFAS from contaminated water and optimizing process parameters.
Tasks:

• Selection of suitable bioflotation agents and hydrodynamic cavitation parameters for pollutant removal
• Characterization of treated water samples using analytical techniques such as HPLC and TOC analyser
• Optimization of bioflotation and cavitation conditions to enhance removal efficiency

• Field of study: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field
• Experience in organic chemistry, knowledge of the techniques to synthesize compounds and to characterize them; experience in coordination chemistry, biochemistry and/or technical chemistry is advantageous
• Good oral and written communication skills in English or German
• Ability to work independently and systematically

• Working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Working place HZDR: Location Dresden and Freiberg (HIF)
• Start date: Either an immediate start or a start in Spring 2025 is possible
• Duration of the internship or thesis according to the study regulations, but at least 4 months
• Remuneration according to HZDR internal regulations, scholarship holders (e.g., ERASMUS+) are welcome

Currently, there is a broad discussion whether ventilation by frequent window opening is sufficient for providing a sufficient amount of fresh air or if technical air purification devices based on e.g. HEPA filters are better solutions for public spaces. Furthermore, there is another discussion ongoing, whether a well-guided laminar flow or a high degree of mixing within a room is more beneficial. The latter, on the one hand distributes the potentially virus-laden aerosols in the whole room, but on the other hand reduces the peak concentrations of these aerosols clouds by magnitudes.

The objective is to perform aerosol propagation experiments and to estimate the potential aerosol inhalation of people in dynamic situations. To achieve this, an aerosol generator will be used in a demonstrator room under different flow conditions. The data from different scenarios will be processed in order to obtain a transference function that can relate the aerosol source with the aerosol receivers.

Understanding the behaviour of fibre-laden drops is critical due to their presence in various industrial applications, including microelectronics fabrication, portable medical devices, and biofuel production. Our work focuses on the numerical simulation of fibre-laden drops, specifically investigating a single long deformable fibre within a drop impacting a solid substrate. The study aims to elucidate the dynamic interactions between the fibre and the drop. Key objectives include determining the changes in drop dynamics due to the fibre and observing fibre deformation upon impact.

This work will involve computational fluid dynamics (CFD), particularly finite volume methods, with a focus on interface tracking using the Volume of Fluid approach. The simulation will incorporate surface wettability to enhance our understanding of elasto-capillary interactions, offering insights relevant to real-world applications.

We are seeking a motivated student with prior experience in CFD (preferably OpenFOAM) or similar modelling software.

• Enrolled in a degree program such as Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Computational Modelling and Simulation
• Strong interest in particle-fluid dynamics and numerical simulations
• Preliminary experience in CFD, ideally with OpenFOAM
• Basic coding skills, preferably in C++

• Immediate start possible
• Duration of internship or thesis as per university regulations
• Remuneration available, scholarship holders (e.g. ERASMUS+) are welcome

At Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), over 1,500 employees from more than 70 nations are conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of ENERGY, HEALTH, and MATERIALS to address the major challenges facing society today.
The Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS), founded in Görlitz in 2019, is a German-Polish interdisciplinary research center focusing on data-intensive digital systems.
CASUS offers student internships in a wide range of scientific fields. You are welcome to apply and join CASUS if you are interested in gaining knowledge in the following research areas:

• Theoretical Chemistry
• Earth System Science
• Systems Biology
• Digital Health
• Computational Radiation Physics
• Theory of complex systems
• Dynamics of Complex Living Systems
• Machine Learning for Infection and Disease

• Student in computer science, physics, chemistry, or related fields
• Student already enrolled at the university in Germany, Poland or Czech Republic (close exchange and attendance in the office preferable and combined with the moblie working from Germany combinable)
• Eager to learn new skills
• Strong motivation to work in a collaborative environment
• Preliminary experience in code development is an advantage
• Excellent communication skills in English and/or German or Polish

• A vibrant research community in an open, diverse and international work environment
• Scientific excellence and extensive professional networking opportunities
• A wide range of qualification opportunities
• We support a good work-life balance with the possibility of part-time employment, mobile working and flexible working hours
• Either an immediate start or a start in 2024 is possible

Background:

Currently, there is a broad discussion whether ventilation by frequent window opening is sufficient for providing a sufficient amount of fresh air or if technical air purification devices based on e.g. HEPA filters are better solutions for public spaces. Furthermore, there is another discussion ongoing, whether a well-guided laminar flow or a high degree of mixing within a room is more beneficial. The latter, on the one hand distributes the potentially virus-laden aerosols in the whole room, but on the other hand reduces the peak concentrations of these aerosols clouds by magnitudes.

Objectives:

The objective is to perform aerosol propagation experiments and to estimate the potential aerosol inhalation of people in dynamic situations. To achieve this, an aerosol generator will be used in a demonstrator room under different flow conditions. The data from different scenarios will be processed in order to obtain a transference function that can relate the aerosol source with the aerosol receivers.

Tasks:

• Literature survey
• Aerosol experiments in different scenarios.
• Post-processing of the results.

• Student of natural sciences or engineering
• Willingness to conduct experimental work

Duration:

4-6 months

Remuneration:

According to HDZR guidelines