Research Assistant (f/m/d)

Universität Bremen; Bremen; Vor Ort; EUR 57.000 - 81.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

30 days vacation per year

Flex time

Work remotely option

Onboarding and mentoring

Professional development

Job-Ticket

Wellpass health & fitness programs

Zusammenfassung

University of Bremen seeks a Research Assistant (f/m/d) for the Martian Mindset Cluster. The role is 100% (39.2 hours per week), TV‑L 13, limited until 30 June 2029. Part-time work is possible by agreement with project leaders.

Office at ZARM, Bremen, with strong cross-disciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will develop multiscale gas-dynamics models for electrochemical cells, implement them in Python/CUDA, and contribute to research, teaching tasks if agreed.

Qualifikationen

• We are seeking candidates with a master’s degree in a related field and capacity to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in technical English is required; German language skills are a plus.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

Aufgaben

• Develop mathematical multiscale, multiphase models of gas dynamics in electrochemical cells.
• Implement models using Python and CUDA within in-house codes.
• Parametrize and train models using nano- and micro-scale data from the Cluster.
• Validate results with experiments from other projects in the Cluster.
• Investigate parameter effects (electrode material, surface roughness, etc.).
• Document findings for journals and international conferences in English.
• Collaborate with PhD students and postdocs to advance projects.

Kenntnisse

English B2 proficiency

Independent work

Team oriented

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in a relevant field (math/physics/engineering)

Jobbeschreibung

“The Martian Mindset - A scarcity-driven engineering paradigm” is a newly funded Cluster of Excellence and was established at the University of Bremen in 2026. In this context, a position is available as soon as possible, as a Research Assistant (f/m/d) salary scale (German) 13 TV‑L, 100 % (39.2 h per week) limited until 30.6.2029 according to §2WissZeitVG. Part‑time work is generally possible and to be agreed with the respective project leaders.

Location and employer

The workplace and employment will be at the University of Bremen, Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) in the research group of Prof. Dr. Marc Avila. The University as an Employer: With approximately 20,000 students and about 3,500 employees, the University of Bremen is a medium‑sized university. It ranks among Germany’s leading universities in terms of external funding and research.

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. The Cluster of Excellence will thus contribute to the sustainable human exploration of space and power a green transition on Earth.

The challenging and interdisciplinary research in “The Martian Mindset” spans ten multifaceted foci across three areas, whereas this position is to be filled within the Research Area1, Sourcing. In this research area, we investigate 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. The focus of this position falls under modelling and simulation of multiphase flows electrolysis systems.

This project aims at developing numerical models that faithfully describe the generation, detachment and interaction of bubbles in electrolytes. The initial focus is on the generation of oxygen in water electrolysis under terrestrial and Mars conditions, but the models developed will offer a robust framework extendable to molten salt electrolysis.

The gas dynamics in electrochemical cells spans multiple scales in space, from (sub)nanometer to cell size (mm), and similarly for time, which cannot be all resolved simultaneously. Accordingly, multiscale, multiphase models will be developed that parametrize the effect of the unresolved (small) scales. Results from other projects in the Cluster that focus on the nano and micro scales will be leveraged to inform parametrizations and/or train the models with machine‑learning techniques. A central focus is the quantification of uncertainty in the multi‑scale approach. The resulting model predictions will directly inform reactor design and optimization in collaboration with experimental groups in the Cluster.

This project enhances the “Martian Mindset” scarcity‑driven engineering paradigm by paving the way for the accurate, robust design of electrochemical technologies on Earth and in space conditions.

More information on the other research foci, the project leaders and the Cluster of Excellence itself can be found on our website: www.mars.uni-bremen.de.

Your key tasks will include

• Develop mathematical multiscale, multiphase models of the gas dynamics in electrochemical cells
• Implement these models using python and CUDA based on our in‑house codes
• Parametrize and train the models leveraging nano- and microscopic data from other numerical and in the Cluster
• Validate results with experiments performed in other projects in the Cluster
• Investigate the dependence of the gas dynamics on the parameters of the system (electrode material and surface roughness, potential, concentration of the electrolyte, etc.)
• Documenting, publishing, and presenting research findings through various channels, including academic journals and international conferences, usually in English
• Collaborating with PhD students, postdoctoral researchers 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
• Opportunity to pursue individual academic research (e.g. doctoral dissertation, habilitation, or work equivalent to a habilitation)

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

• old a master’s degree in a relevant field such as Applied Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace/Mechanical/Chemical/Process Engineering or a related discipline.
• We also consider applicants who are in the final phase of their master’s degree program. Please note that submission of your master’s degree certificate is mandatory for employment.
• be proficient in English (spoken and written), e.g. CEF-level B2
• 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

A willing to engage in interdisciplinary work and collaborate with colleagues from different fields of expertise is expected.

We offer

• State‑of‑the‑art, unique research infrastructure
• 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
• Depending on individual qualifications, a gross annual salary in accordance with the TV‑L ranging from 57.112,44€ (Level1) to 81.176,28€ (Level6) for a full‑time position (39.2 hours per week). The university will determine the individual pay grade assignment based on relevant prior professional experience upon an offer of employment. Additional benefits, such as the annual bonus (“Christmas bonus”) and any career advancement opportunities within the advertised pay grade, are also dependent on this assignment. This is based on the applicable legal provisions of the TV‑L (specifically §16 TV‑L). For civil servants, remuneration is governed in particular by the provisions of the Bremen Civil Service Remuneration Act (further information can be found here).
• An additional pension plan for public sector employees (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation per calendar year (based on a 5‑day workweek)
• A diverse, forward‑looking, and open corporate culture
• Support from a collegial, motivated team with a positive work environment
• Individual onboarding
• Opportunities for continuing education and professional development
• Work‑life balance through flexible working hours (flex time) and the option to work remotely (subject to certain conditions)
• Free services as part of social and family counseling
• An active workplace health management program, including discounts at local sports clubs, gyms, and swimming pools (EGYM Wellpass)
• The option to use a Job‑Ticket
• Numerous sports and cultural activities
• A variety of dining options in the Student Services cafeterias

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.

Contact

Prof. Dr. Marc Avila ([e-mail]) or our recruiting team ([e-mail])

General queries

For more information on the research foci and project leaders, the training program, the participating institutions, and the selection process, please visit our website: www.mars.uni-bremen.de

Questions?

Do you have questions?