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Unsolicited application for a thesis

Submit an unsolicited thesis application to Fraunhofer UMSICHT in Oberhausen, Germany. Work on topics like circular economy, green hydrogen, or carbon management. Benefit from flexible hours, supportive teams, and a blend of theory and practice in a leading research environment.

Flexible Internship UTC+01:00 Updated 46 days ago

Applies on jobs.fraunhofer.de

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Job description

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 74 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society - more precisely: 30 000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

We want an earth that is worth living on. Our applied research in Circular Economy, Carbon Management, Green Hydrogen and Local Energy Systems makes concrete contributions to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. As an institute of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, we show how to not only master challenges, but grow with them. We push boundaries, think ahead and shape the future with applied research. Diverse perspectives and approaches strengthen creativity and innovation in our scientific work.

You want to help us shape a sustainable world, but can't find a suitable thesis topic?

Then you have the opportunity to submit an unsolicited application here!

At Fraunhofer UMSICHT, you can work on practical and forward-looking topics related to the circular economy, carbon management, green hydrogen, or local energy systems as part of your bachelor's or master's thesis. In consultation with our departments and depending on available openings, you will determine potential topics for your thesis that align with your degree program, your interests, and our current research projects.

Please indicate in your application which subject areas interest you most. You can find an overview of our research areas here: Research for the market - Fraunhofer UMSICHT and Competencies - Fraunhofer UMSICHT.

Do you already have your own idea for your thesis? Then we would be delighted if you could bring your proposed topic with you.

You are currently enrolled, would like to write your bachelor's or master's thesis in an innovative environment, and bring curiosity, initiative, and a passion for academic work to the table. We kindly ask you to submit your complete application documents:

  • Cover letter (Please note your preferred department and your planned time frame.)
  • CV
  • Current certificate of enrollment
  • Current transcript of grades
  • Bachelor's degree certificate (if you are already pursuing a master's degree)
  • Additional references, etc.

We are committed to creating an inspiring working environment in which all employees can develop. To this end, we promote and value the uniqueness of each person and create a culture of respect, openness and appreciation in which everyone is welcome:

  • Teamwork at eye level: an open-minded team in which you can contribute your own ideas. New Work, diversity and inclusion as well as cooperative teamwork are central components of our culture.
  • Theory meets practice: The opportunity to combine your knowledge from your studies with practical experience at the interface between business and science.
  • Flex work: Your studies have priority - we offer you flexible working hours that adapt to your everyday study routine, as well as the opportunity to combine mobile working and on-site work by arrangement with the team.
  • Students@UMSICHT: Comprehensive onboarding, good support and networking opportunities as well as versatile support for your career development through training and keynote speeches.
  • Health & well-being: Health offers for a good balance in everyday life.
  • You can find even more attractive benefits here: Fraunhofer UMSICHT as an employer

💡 Interested? Apply online now via our career portal and join the Fraunhofer UMSICHT team!

🌍 Diversity & equal opportunities: We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled people are given preference if they are equally suitable.

♿ Accessibility: We are continuously working to make the application process and our workplaces more accessible. If you need support, please get in touch - we're here to help!

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact:
Emily Kirchhoff, +49 208 8598-1353, [email protected]

Pay & benefits

Health insurance Flexible hours

About this role

Posted
16 Sep 2026
Updated
16 Sep 2026
Job type
Internship
Workplace
Flexible
Sectors
Working hours
UTC+01:00
Experience
Currently enrolled student

About Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Company Overview

Name

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft e.V.

Headquarters

Munich, Germany

Founded

1949

Size

Approximately 31,900 employees worldwide with industrial revenues of €966 million in 2025 (source: fraunhofer.de)

What They Do

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Germany’s leading organization for applied research, specializing in translating scientific findings into practical industrial applications. Their core business includes pre-competitive contract research that develops cross-industry technologies for both industry and society, including solutions for climate protection, healthcare, and artificial intelligence (AI) (source: fraunhofer.de). The organization operates 76 institutes and research units across Germany, as well as international locations in the USA, Europe, Asia, and South America, ensuring broad technological and geographic coverage (source: fraunhofer.de). A distinctive feature is the high proportion of industrial revenue, which keeps research market-oriented and closely aligned with the needs of the private sector (source: fraunhofer.de). The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft operates as a registered association (e.V.) and is primarily funded through a 90:10 mix of federal and state funds alongside contract research (source: fraunhofer.de).

Projects & Track Record

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has shown steady growth in industrial revenues and employed around 31,900 staff in 2024 and 2025 (source: fraunhofer.de). In 2025, industrial revenues rose to €966 million, including €768 million from industrial contracts and €198 million from licensing fees, with a total business volume of €3.574 billion (source: fraunhofer.de). The organization reported 507 invention disclosures and 439 patent applications in 2024, highlighting its strong innovation capacity and successful technology transfer (source: idw-online.de).

Recent Developments

Over the past two years, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has further increased its industrial revenues while maintaining a stable workforce, indicating sustainable growth and strong demand for applied research (source: fraunhofer.de). Additionally, the number of patent applications and invention disclosures has remained high, confirming the organization’s innovative strength (source: idw-online.de). The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft continues to invest in expanding its international presence and developing cutting-edge technologies in areas such as artificial intelligence and climate protection (source: fraunhofer.de).

Working There

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft offers a wide range of employment opportunities in research, administration, and technical fields, as well as student positions such as internships, theses, and doctoral roles (source: fraunhofer.de). The work culture is characterized by flat hierarchies, interdisciplinary project collaboration, and international teams, supported by structured development programs like TALENTA for women in science and leadership (source: fraunhofer.de). Documented benefits include flexible working hours, remote work options, family-friendly measures, parental leave support, training opportunities, company pension schemes, and a subsidy for the Deutschlandticket (source: fraunhofer.de).

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