Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is the result of the merger of the
University of Karlsruhe and the Research Center Karlsruhe. It is a unique
institution in Germany, which combines the mission of a university with that
of a large-scale research center of the Helmholtz Association. With 8000
employees and an annual budget of EUR 650 millions, KIT is one of the
largest research and education institutions worldwide.

The combustion division of the Engler-Bunte-Institute at Karlsruhe Institute
of Technology (KIT) calls for applications for an open PhD or Postdoc
Position in the area of “Ignition by Mechanical Sparks” within the Research
Group “Physicochemical-based Models for the Prediction of Safety Relevant
Ignition Processes” (FOR 1447)

Fire and explosion hazards are of significant importance for a variety of
industry branches. Uncontrolled combustion of flammable liquids and gases
can cause heavy damage of buildings and threatens human life. The joint
research group FOR 1447 aims to develop a physicochemically based numerical
model for the evaluation of ignition processes of combustible gases with
respect to safety engineering.

A candidate holding this position will investigate the ignition of
combustible gases using hot particles with a diameter of up to 1 mm as the
ignition source. The work comprises technical realization, experimental
investigations and numerical modeling. He or she will construct the
explosion chamber, set up optical detection methods (multi-wavelength
pyrometry, OH* chemiluminescence, 2D-OH* tomography), perform the
experiments, analyze the data and present the results on national and
international meetings.


We are looking for ambitious candidates with a Master/Diploma or PhD degree
in chemical engineering, physical or technical chemistry, or physics.
Applicants should have both theoretical and practical skill, and should have
a strong background in at least one of the following scientific fields:
combustion technology or optical spectroscopy. Candidates are expected to
cooperate with the partners within the research group.

The position is limited to three years and is available immediately. The
salary grade is TV-L E 13 (100%).

KIT is pursuing a gender equality policy. We would therefore particularly
encourage qualified women to apply. If qualified, handicapped applicants
will be preferred.

Please forward your application including all relevant information
(curriculum vitae, letters of reference, etc.) until September 20th 2010 to:

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Campus Süd / Verbrennungstechnik
Dr. Thomas Häber
Engler-Bunte-Ring 1
76131 Karlsruhe
e-mail: [log in to unmask]