UNIVERSITÄT BREMEN - FACHBEREICH 4- PRODUKTIONSTECHNIK - MAPEX CENTER FOR MATERIALS AND PROCESSES

“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

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:

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.

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

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