Internship / Master's Thesis CFD-Based Optimization of Gas Detector Sensor Placement (m/f/d)

Job description

WELCOME TO BASF We are a leading global research organization with over 3000 employees working in the field of material and analytical science, chemical synthesis, process development, bioscience, catalysis and digitalization. With our creative and diverse teams as well as our cutting-edge research, we help to make our customers more successful and drive the sustainability transformation. WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT Starting in October 2026, we are looking for support for our team for a period of six months. Our Process Safety Engineering unit combines expertise in chemistry, catalysis, process engineering, and flow simulation to develop innovative and safe solutions for industrial processes. Take the opportunity to work on scientific challenges with direct practical relevance and subsequently complete your thesis with us. In this position, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of gas dispersion, gas detection technologies, and the simulation software FLACS. You will apply this knowledge throughout the project to perform dispersion calculations in the near-field environment of chemical plants, thereby creating a solid foundation for the project. Together with the team, you will develop a FLACS baseline model for simulation and validation based on a historical gas release incident, contributing to a deeper understanding of gas dispersion processes. Working closely with experienced colleagues, you will define and vary relevant leakage, weather, and geometric parameters to realistically model different scenarios. You will perform CFD simulations and statistically evaluate the results to assess the detection performance of various sensor placements. Finally, you will make an important contribution to the optimization of gas detection systems by evaluating sensor locations regarding detection capability, detection time, and area coverage, and by documenting your findings as part of your work. WHAT YOU OFFER currently enrolled in a Master's degree program in Process Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Physics, or a comparable field initial knowledge of fluid mechanics, numerical simulation, or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), as well as an interest in process safety topics knowledge of a programming language, preferably Python experience with simulation software is an advantage good written as well as spoken German and/or English skills a self-organized and team-oriented way of working, strong communication skills, willingness to learn, and enthusiasm for collaborative problem-solving WHAT WE OFFER Practical phase - actively apply theory in challenging and varied tasks/projects Teambuddy - contact person for all questions and regular feedback Networks - get to know different perspectives, ways of thinking and fields of work Internship compensation - a recognition of the commitment, more information you will find here Flexible working hours - depending on the location and area of work HOW TO REACH US Larissa Anna Treiber (Talent Acquisition), , Tel: +49 30 2005-56384 will be happy to answer your questions for this position. You are also welcome to book an online appointment. You can also reach our recruiting team here . First information about our application process can be found here . ABOUT US BASF SE, located in Ludwigshafen am Rhein, is the corporate headquarters of the BASF Group and part of the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region. BASF stands for competence in chemistry since 1865 and is represented today in the world's major consumer markets, with a wide range of products. As the largest employer in the region, BASF SE offers multiple career opportunities for students, university graduates and professionals providing also training in over 30 professions. Leisure, sports, culture and a good infrastructure characterize the Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region, in which BASF is also involved with numerous activities. Learn more about BASF SE here . Diversity is our greatest strength! Become a part of our winning formula for success and develop the future with us - in a global team that embraces inclusion and equal opportunities irrespective of gender, age, origin, sexual orientation, disability or belief.