The Centre on Sustainable Energy (SE) is looking for a motivated student to carry out a master thesis or internship in the field of modelling of geothermal energy systems. We are seeking a proactive and dynamic student with strong organizational skills, a keen interest in physics and modelling, and the motivation to gain valuable research experience in an international environment.

Thesis/Internship Topic

The project will focus on modelling underground thermal energy storage (UTES) systems. UTES makes use of underground formations to store thermal energy. At depths greater than 10–15 m, ground temperature remains nearly constant, reflecting the average annual air temperature. This allows the ground and groundwater to serve as natural heat reservoirs: excess heat can be stored underground in summer and recovered in winter. UTES is gaining attention as a promising solution to address climate change, enhance energy security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It combines high storage efficiency with large seasonal capacity, but its widespread adoption is still limited by challenges such as subsurface characterization and integration with existing energy systems.

Candidate Profile:

Students enrolled in Energy Engineering, Hydrogeology, Civil Engineering, or Oil & Gas Engineering are encouraged to apply. The following qualifications will be considered an advantage:

Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Proactivity and ability to work independently.
Interest in working within an international research team and openness to new concepts.
Solid understanding of fluid dynamics in porous media, thermodynamics, mass and heat transfer.
Familiarity with CFD concepts and workflows (pre-processing, meshing, modelling, runtime, post-processing).
Experience in data analysis and research tools.
Good command of English (spoken and written).

Supervision & Support

The student will be supported by FBK researchers, who will provide guidance during the initial training and throughout the research activities.

Internship Details

Start date: from October 2025 (or later, depending on availability)
Duration: 6–9 months
Additional benefits: support in finding accommodation through affiliated structures and access to canteen services.

How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter
Current study plan, including grades

For further details on the research activities, please contact: Masoud Manafi (mmanafi@fbk.eu)

For application support or general inquiries, please contact: jobs@fbk.eu

Master thesis or internship in the field of modelling of geothermal energy systems.