Doctoral Researchers

**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
**doctoral researchers (f/m/d)**
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.
**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 mínimal 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 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.
- pos