Doctoral researchers (f/m/d) for the Cluster of Excellence “The Martian Mindset” - for 3,5 years-

“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 at least one position, possibly more depending on the availability of funds for
doctoral researchers (f/m/d)
subject to job release
Salary Scale (German) 13 TV-L
for 3.5 years (according to § 2 WissZeitVG) are to be filled full-time (39.2 hrs per week).
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
• Leibniz Institute for Materials Engineering (Leibniz-IWT)
• 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.

Berufsgruppe

Wissenschaft und Forschung

Eingruppierung

EG 13 TV-L

Besetzbar

01.01.2026

Bereich

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 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: Materials science, electrochemistry, photo- and bioelectrochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, fluid dynamics, materials modeling, process modeling, space engineering, metrology
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
More information on the ten research foci, the project leaders and potential supervisors as well as the open positions can be found on our website: www.mars.uni-bremen.de
Applications should indicate a maximum of two research foci and at least one potential supervisor with an open position.

Aufgabengebiet

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.

Voraussetzungen

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.
• 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.

Kennzeichen

A229-25

Bewerbungsfrist

28.09.2025

Befristet

für 3,5 Jahre

Allgemeine Hinweise

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)

• 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

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.
Open to unconventional approaches in research and teaching, the University of Bremen has retained its character as a place of short distances for people and ideas since its founding in 1971. With a broad spectrum of subjects, we combine exceptional performance and innovative potential. As an ambitious research university, we stand for research-based learning approaches and a pronounced interdisciplinary orientation. We actively pursue scientific cooperation in a spirit of global partnership.
Today, around 23,000 people learn, teach, research, and work on our international campus. In research and teaching, administration and operations, we are strongly committed to the goals of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. Our Bremen spirit is expressed in the courage to try new things, in supportive cooperation, in respect and appreciation for each other. With our study and research profile and as part of the European YUFE network, we assume social responsibility in the region, in Europe, and in the world.

Bewerbungshinweise

If you choose to apply and send us your documents, you do so voluntarily. Any personal data contained within your documents, or obtained during an interview, will be processed by the participating institutions exclusively for the purposes of the selection process for the advertised positions. This explicitly includes passing on the information to the respective project leaders, selection committees and can include entering the information into the application management systems of the participating institutions.

Ansprechperson

For general questions about the personnel selection procedure and for questions about the content of the advertised position, please do not hesitate to contact our recruiting team via email: MartianMindset.applications@uni-bremen.de
It is recommended to contact the project leaders of interest for further information.
We invite you to apply if you would like to co-develop the Martian Mindset with us and unlock the creative potential for innovation that emerges from scarcity.
To apply for a position within the Cluster of Excellence “The Martian Mindset”, please submit the following documents in English:

• A cover letter (max. 2 DIN A4-pages) that includes:
  • A clear statement of motivation to join The Martian Mindset
  • A description of how your individual background and qualifications make you a good fit for the project
  • A statement of your preferred research foci (max. 2) and project leaders with open positions (max. 2, see website) you would be willing to work with
  • Ideally, contact information for two potential referees

• A brief summary of your thesis and previous research projects (max. 2 pages)
• A detailed curriculum vitae (please without a picture)
• A copy of your degree certificate/transcript of records (German possible)
• Any other supporting documents, such as certificates, as relevant to your application (German possible)

Please send your application with your complete documents to the following address, quoting the reference number A229-25 until 28.09.2025 as a single PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to: MartianMindset.applications@uni-bremen.de
If you would like to send your application by post, please contact our recruiting team in advance by email (see above).
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews with shortlisted candidates are currently planned for September 2025. However, in individual cases, interviews may be scheduled earlier if complete application documents are available and the candidates agree. The final decision will only be made after the application deadline.
You are welcome to let us know which pronouns you use and how we may address you.