Doctoral researchers (f / m / d)

University of Bremen; Bremen; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A vibrant research opportunity awaits at the University of Bremen for up to 20 doctoral researchers interested in pioneering work on sustainability and human space exploration. The role entails conducting innovative research within interdisciplinary teams, contributing to groundbreaking projects focused on producing materials in extreme conditions. Ideal candidates are dynamic individuals equipped with a master's degree, strong communication skills, and a willingness to collaborate across diverse disciplines.

Leistungen

Comprehensive mentoring and qualification program

30 days of vacation per year

Flexible working hours

Annual special payment (Christmas bonus)

Family-friendly work environment

Qualifikationen

• Hold a master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Have good English language skills (B2 CEFR).
• Demonstrate the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Aufgaben

• Conduct original research and develop doctoral thesis.
• Document, publish, and present research findings.
• Collaborate with other researchers and actively participate in Martian Mindset events.

Kenntnisse

Scientific Research

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Communication Skills

Ausbildung

Master's Degree or Equivalent

Jobbeschreibung

The Martian Mindset– A scarcity-driven engineering paradigm” is a newly funded Cluster of Excellence and will be established at the University of Bremen from January 1, 2026 . In the Cluster, we are looking for up to 20

doctoral researchers (f / m / d)

subject to job release

for 3.5 years (according to § 2 WissZeitVG). Up to 18 positions are to be filled full-time (39.2 hours per week) and up to two further positions part-time (75 %).

The workplace and employment will be at one of the participating institutions of the Cluster of Excellence on the campus of the University of Bremen :

• University of Bremen
• Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM)
• German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
• DLR Institute for Space Systems (DLR RY)

Part-time work is generally possible and to be agreed with the respective project leaders. Upon agreement, it is also possible to start already before January 2026 in the framework of the “Humans on Mars” initiative.

The Martian Mindset

Our scientists are developing the “Martian Mindset” in order to rethink the production of materials and components from scratch. The scarcity of resources and extreme conditions on the red planet serve as a setting to develop a new paradigm of sustainability that will lay the foundations for a fossil-fuel-free production of materials and parts from scarce resources in a highly automated and resilient way.

We are looking for up to 20 doctoral researchers who are eager to contribute to a sustainable human exploration of space and to a green transition on Earth. The challenging and interdisciplinary research in “The Martian Mindset” spans ten multifaceted foci in the three areas described below. We welcome applications from candidates with a background in the disciplines listed below or in related disciplines :

1. Sourcing :

We research how to produce high-added-value materials and chemicals from low-grade ores using atmospheric gases as the only source of carbon and nitrogen and without burning fossil fuels.

Disciplines : 2. Processing :

We study how parts for system repairs and modifications can be produced with impure raw materials and minimal energy expenditure, different from today’s production, where one strives to achieve the highest performance and the best quality of products.

Disciplines : manufacturing, material processing, production technology, process engineering, materials engineering, space engineering, polymer chemistry and technology

3. Operating :

We investigate how to remotely operate an adaptive and flexible production facility for enough-to-use parts with joint human / robot teams while facing large uncertainties due to impure materials, scarce information and scarce human workforce in a harsh environment.

Disciplines : communications engineering, space engineering, internet of things, optimization under uncertainty, process monitoring, production engineering, robotics, team psychology, decision psychology

Applications should indicate a maximum of two research foci and two potential supervisors.

Tasks

As a researcher in “The Martian Mindset”, you will be involved in innovative and challenging scientific projects and contribute to the advancement of the respective research field. Your key tasks will include, in particular :

• Conducting original research and developing your doctoral thesis within an interdisciplinary context in one of the above-mentioned research areas
• Documenting, publishing, and presenting research findings through various channels, including academic journals and international conferences, usually in English
• Collaborating with other PhD students, researchers, and industry partners to advance joint scientific projects and publications
• Actively participating in Martian Mindset events, such as retreats, seminars, summer schools, and workshops to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration, considering individual possibilities (e.g. compatibility with family responsibilities, impairments)
• Mandatory participation in our qualification program (see below)
• Developing and writing grant proposals to secure funding for research projects and initiatives
• After agreement, there is the possibility of performing teaching tasks independently

Requirements

We are looking for dynamic and open-minded personalities who enjoy conducting cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary, international and diverse team. To succeed in this role, you should

• hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field (or be near completion, with degree to be issued prior to employment).
• be willing to engage in interdisciplinary work and collaborate with colleagues from different fields of expertise.
• have good English language skills (spoken and written), e.g. level B2 CEFR.
• demonstrate the ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• show team spirit.
• possess a collaborative mindset and strong communication skills.
• exhibit analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Do you combine curiosity and interest in scientific problems and have a strong desire to contribute to sustainable human space exploration as well as the green transition on Earth? Then we look forward to receiving your application!

As a researcher in The Martian Mindset, working at one of the five participating institutions on the campus of the University of Bremen, you will join a vibrant and dynamic scientific community of internationally renowned researchers.

You will have access to :

items marked with

• refer to employment at the University of Bremen; the offers at the other participating institutions are partly similar)
• Opportunities for international collaborations and extended research stays in top laboratories around the world
• A comprehensive mentoring and qualification program (see below) tailored to your individual needs and goals to promote successful project completion and transition to leading positions in academia and industry
• Support from the Welcome Center of the U Bremen Research Alliance
• Annual special payment (“Christmas bonus”), regular collectively agreed salary increases and additional public sector pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year
• Specific offers for gender-equitable career promotion by the Equal Opportunities Office
• A flexible and family-friendly work environment, with flexible working hours and mobile office options (taking into account the general conditions)
• Free social and family counseling services
• Active company health management including the option of discounts at local sports clubs or for gyms and swimming pools (EGYM WELLPASS)
• The option of using a job ticket
• Varied catering options in the student union canteens

Qualification concept

Together we will create an exceptional environment for research, education and innovation, where the Martian Mindset can flourish. Our qualification concept is designed to empower early-career researchers to become creative, versatile and responsible risk-takers, who will continue to develop and implement our scarcity driven engineering paradigm in leadership roles within academia and industry. To achieve this, we offer individualized supervision and training, with a strong advisory network of supervisors, mentors, and peers. Further information on our comprehensive qualification program is available online.

General

The University of Bremen is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. We are committed to implement our diversity strategy at all levels and aim to increase the diversity and variety of perspectives of our employees. We therefore welcome all applicants regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion / belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, and identity.

International applications are expressly encouraged. We aim to increase the proportion of women and strongly encourage female applicants to apply. Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.