Student Assistant / Master Thesis - GIS-Based High-Resolution Urban Mapping

About the role

We aim to bridge the gap between computationally efficient urban climate models and site-specific urban design by developing a workflow that links physics-based climate models with GIS-driven biometeorological mapping.

Responsibilities

• Run urban climate simulations using the mesoscale Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and/or the Standalone Urban Energy/Climate Model (SUECM) for test sites Berlin, Barcelona, and Montreal.
• Utilize UMEP plugins in QGIS or Python-Implementations to generate high-resolution maps of Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT) and solar potential.
• Develop standardized data exchange protocols between simulation outputs and GIS-ready spatial formats.
• Integrate WRF/SUECM data with the UMEP plugins to assess pedestrian thermal comfort in complex urban geometries.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses on how urban geometry affects thermal comfort.

Requirements

Enrollment in Geoinformatics, Urban Planning, Environmental Engineering, Meteorology, Building Physics or similar disciplines.

Proficiency in QGIS and the UMEP toolset (or a strong willingness to learn).

Experience with Python, particularly for processing geospatial and raster data (or a strong willingness to learn).

Understanding of urban biometeorology (PET/UTCI) and energy balance principles.

Ability to work independently on complex data integration tasks.

Qualifications

• Remuneration according to Research assistant pay (dependent on qualifications).
• The weekly working time is at least 5 hours.
• This position is limited, an extension possible.
• 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 persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.
• Our tasks are diverse and adaptable – for applicants with disabilities, we work together to find solutions that best promote their abilities.

Pay

Remuneration according to the general works agreement for employing assistant staff.

Schedule

Research-focused role (6-12 months, or longer).