Master thesis – 40h/week (f/m/d) | Starting date: September 2026 (fixed-term contract: 6 months)
Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH | Linz
Topic: Biomass fractionation of agricultural residues for biorefinery valorisation using green chemistry
We are a leading research organisation in the area wood and wood-related renewable resources in Europe. Our core competences are materials research and process technology along the complete value chain – from raw material to finished products. More than 120 highly qualified researchers are developing methods and basics and perform applied research on the economy-science interface, in order to enable resource-efficient management in the circular bioeconomy.
For support in the numerous research projects we are looking for a:
Master thesis – 40h/week (f/m/d) | Starting date: September 2026 (fixed-term contract: 6 months)
Topic: Biomass fractionation of agricultural residues for biorefinery valorisation using green chemistry
Your responsibility:
- Fractionation of agricultural residues using chemical-free methods and green solvents
- Optimisation of process conditions using statistical methods and Design of Experiments
- Detoxification and enzymatic conversion of carbohydrate streams
- Characterisation of biopolymers and evaluation of conversion efficiencies
Your qualifications:
- Ongoing master's degree in biotechnology, chemistry, or process engineering
- Theoretical and practical knowledge in biomass and biomass conversion technologies is an advantage
- Strong interest in sustainable processes and applied research
- Structured, reliable, and independent working style
Your benefits:
- Flexible and family friendly working hours (flexitime, time off)
- Possibility for home office
- An international, motivated team and a highly active scientific environment
- Work in basic and industry-related projects
- Modern laboratories and pilot plants
- Attractive working environment and modern offices
- Public transport connection and parking spaces
- Gross monthly salary based on 40h/week from EUR 540,00 (14 x per year)
Kompetenzzentrum Holz GmbH
Über uns
Wir sind eine führende Forschungseinrichtung für Holz und nachwachsende Rohstoffe in Europa. Unsere Kernkompetenzen liegen in der Materialforschung und Prozesstechnologie entlang der gesamten Wertschöpfungskette – von den Rohmaterialen bis zum fertigen Produkt. Dabei erarbeiten über 120 hochqualifizierte Forscherinnen und Forscher Methoden sowie Grundlagen und betreiben angewandte Forschung an der Nahtstelle Wirtschaft und Wissenschaft, um ressourcenschonendes Wirtschaften in der kreislaufgeführten Bioökonomie zu ermöglichen.
Als COMET-K1-Zentrum werden wir im Rahmen von COMET – Competence Centers for Excellent Technologies - durch das BMIMI (Bundesministerium für Innovation, Mobilität und Infrastruktur), BMWET (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft, Energie und Tourismus) sowie die Bundesländer Oberösterreich, Niederösterreich und Kärnten gefördert. Das Programm COMET wird durch die österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft (FFG) abgewickelt.