Internship in the field of Urban Acoustics

The Institute of Building Physics works in an application-oriented manner in all current areas of building physics and is involved in research, development, testing, demonstration, and consulting in the fields of acoustics, energy efficiency and indoor climate, holistic balancing, hygrothermics, building chemistry, building biology, and hygiene.

The acoustics department researches in the areas of building acoustics, digital and sustainable acoustics, noise control and cehicle acoustics, human-centered acoustic design and user research, musical and photo acoustics, urban and architectural acoustics.

We offer an internship (m/f/d) in the field of urban acoustics, focusing on a sub-project that may combine acoustic measurements, numerical simulations (COMSOL), and/or virtual/interactive environments (Unity). The exact project will be defined according to the intern’s background and interests.

Possible project focuses (examples)

• Planning, execution, and analysis of acoustic measurements in urban or laboratory environments
• Building and evaluating COMSOL models for sound propagation, scattering, or absorption in urban settings
• Development of Unity-based scenes for interactive sound demonstrations or virtual soundscapes
• Integration of simulation and measurement data into interactive or VR environments
• Data processing, signal analysis, and visualization (e.g. in Python / MATLAB)

Be part of change

• Literature review on the specific project topic
• Participation in measurement campaigns (if scheduled during the internship)
• Set-up and evaluation of COMSOL simulations (with guidance)
• Implementation and testing of basic Unity functionality (scene setup, audio integration, simple interactions)
• Data processing, analysis, and visualization
• Documentation of methods and results in a short report and/or presentation
• Regular meetings with your supervisor to discuss progress

You are not expected to be an expert in all three areas (measurements, COMSOL, Unity). Prior knowledge in at least one area and a willingness to learn the others is sufficient

What you contribute

• Student in acoustics, physics, mechanical/civil/electrical engineering, computer science, media technology, environmental engineering, urban planning, or a related field (advanced Bachelor or Master level preferred)
• Interest in environmental/urban acoustics and in at least one of the following: -
  • Acoustic measurements
  • Numerical simulation (COMSOL or similar)
  • Unity or other game engines / interactive applications
• Experience in at least one technical tool (e.g. Python, MATLAB, COMSOL, Unity, or similar)
• Curious and self-driven:
  • Comfortable exploring technical documentation and online resources independently
  • Actively seeks to understand new concepts and tools
  • Asks appropriate, specific questions after prior own research
  • Independent and structured working style; ability to document work clearly
  • Good command of English; [German advantageous]

What we offer

• Hands-on involvement in an ongoing research project in urban acoustics
• Experience with state-of-the-art tools (measurement equipment, COMSOL, Unity)
• Mentoring, regular feedback, and the possibility to use the project as a basis for a thesis (depending on institute rules)
• Insight into the daily work of a research group in urban acoustics

The weekly working time is 39 hours. 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. Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Ready for a change? Then apply now and make a difference! Once we have received your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what happens next.

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBP

Requisition Number: 83264