Job Description
“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 one
Doctoral or Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d)
subject to job release
on the topic
“Process chains and monitoring”
for 3.5 years (according to § 2 WissZeitVG) and part-time (50 %) at salary scale (German) 13 TV-L, with the option of extension to 31.12.2032.
The workplace and employment will be at the University of Bremen in the group process engineering. The starting date is January 1, 2026.
Job description
- Do you want to work in the pulsating center of an excellence cluster?
- You have a background in physics, engineering, manufacturing, or similar?
- You would like to support and do interdisciplinary research in engineering, with the option to do a PhD, but you wish to work part-time with 50 %?
Here we have an excellent job option for you:
Process Chains & 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 a researcher in supporting the Working Group on Process Chains and Monitoring, with a focus on process chains. The Working Group addresses diverse process steps including the sourcing of different materials (regolith, iron, polymers) as well as the further processing in elementary process units. In order to produce a desired part under the scarce Martian conditions, the cluster's challenge is to adjust and combine individual elementary process steps for realizing fully functional process chains. Therefore, investigating feasible and resource-efficient process chain solutions by supporting and driving the connection of the provided elementary process chain elements is essential and will be your central task in the cluster.
- Assist in driving the cluster's working group “Process Chains and Monitoring” forward, in close collaboration with the two working group leaders (Prof. Andreas Fischer, Dr. Matthias Steinbacher). In particular, enabling the seamless flow of material and data in a process chain by setting standards for describing the matter input and output of process chain elements in close collaboration with the colleagues working on the process chain elements.
- Conducting interdisciplinary research on the design of process chains on the basis of provided elementary processes, in close collaboration with the researchers working on a process chain element
- Documenting, publishing, and presenting research findings through various channels, including academic journals and international conferences, usually in English.
- 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)
- Optional: Depending on your personal and career development wishes, a widening/deepening of the research activities is possible. One possible topic: Discover the diversity of possible process chain solutions to meet the requirements of different conditions of scarce resources. Another possible topic: Discover monitoring needs and identify available monitoring solutions for processes and logistics.
We are looking for a dynamic and open-minded personality who enjoys assisting and conducting cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary, international and diverse team. To succeed in this role, you should
- Have a university degree (Master's/university diploma) or, if applicable, a doctorate) in physics, engineering, manufacturing, or a similar field
- 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
- 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, you will join a vibrant and dynamic scientific community of internationally renowned researchers.
You will have access to:
- 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
- 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
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 implementing 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.
The University of Bremen intends to increase the proportion of female employees in academia, which is why women are expressly encouraged to apply. In the case of equal qualifications, women will be given priority, unless reasons relating to the person of a competitor prevail.
Disabled persons with essentially equal professional and personal qualifications will be given priority when applying.