Master Thesis "Social impact assessment of solar panels used in terrestrial and space environments"

Vacancy-ID:  6455 
Place of work:  Oldenburg 
Starting date:  01.12.2026 
Career level:  Student research project and final thesis 
Type of employment:  Part time 
Duration of contract:  6 months 
Remuneration:  Remuneration is in accordance with the Collective Agreement for the Public Sector - Federal Government (TVöD-Bund).

The Institute of Networked Energy Systems develops transformation strategies and technical solutions for the efficient integration of the electricity, heating, transport and industrial sectors. In practice-orientated projects, our research teams develop a holistic understanding of the system and effective system solutions to make energy transition in business and society successful through research.

What you expect

The master thesis is embedded in a DLR-project on the life cycle sustainability assessment of space activities, which is led by the DLR Institute of Space Systems amongst others DLR Institutes. You will work in the field of sustainable energy supply with focus on solar panels used in terrestrial and space environment by identifying social impacts of solar panel manufacturing and their main differences. Also, you will contribute to improve the social impact assessment of space activities including infrastructures.

Your tasks 

• You will support the research group Energy Scenarios and Technology Assessment by conducting a comparative analysis of solar panels used in terrestrial vs. space applications
• Applying Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) methodologies to identify social hotspots and impacts
• Mapping supply chains to uncover differences in social risk profiles between Earth and Space technology
• Evaluating current sustainability standards (e.g., ISO 14075) for their applicability to the space sector
• Developing recommendations for socially responsible space infrastructure

Your profile

• Enrolment in a Master’s programme in environmental engineering, energy systems, industrial engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field
• You have a strong interest in Life Cycle Assessment and social sustainability dimensions
• Interest in sustainable energy technologies and space activities
• Experience in assessing energy-related technologies and their social impacts
• Experience in life cycle modeling approaches and software (e.g. openLCA), is helpful but not required
• Good analytical and scientific writing skills in English
• Independent and structured working style

 We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position (Vacancy-ID 6455) please contact:

Dr. Thomas Vogt 
Tel.: +49 441 99906 103