About the role
Mindset'
Martian MindsetEntgelt- / Besoldungsgruppe E 13 - Voll- oder Teilzeit Kennziffer: A171-26 Bewerbungsfrist: 13.10.2026 Öffentliche Ausschreibung
“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 30.06.2029 according to § 2 WissZeitVG.
Part-time work is generally possible and to be agreed with the respective project leaders.
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.
StellenbeschreibungThe 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 Area 1, 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.
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. 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:
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 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
A willing to engage in interdisciplinary work and collaborate with colleagues from different fields of expertise is expected.
Allgemeine HinweiseWe offer:
Depending on individual qualifications, a gross annual salary in accordance with the TV-L ranging from 57.112,44 € (Level 1) to 81.176,28 € (Level 6) 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)
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.
Do you have questions?
For general questions about the personnel selection procedure and for questions about the content of the advertised position, please do not hesitate to contact:
Prof. Dr. Marc Avila(mavilaprotect me ?!uni-bremen protect me ?!.de)
or our recruiting team (MartianMindset.applications protect me ?!uni- bremen protect me ?!.de )
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
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.
How to apply:
Please send your application to the following address, quoting the reference number A171-26 until13.10.2026 as a single PDF file by unencrypted electronic mail to:
MartianMindset.applications protect me ?!uni-bremen protect me ?!.de
To apply, please submit the following documents in English:
If you would like to send your application by post, please contact our recruiting team in advance by email (see above).
International applications are expressly encouraged.
You are welcome to let us know which pronouns you use and how we may address you.
Please note that you should not include any photos with your application materials.
We kindly ask you to send us only copies (no portfolios) of your application documents, as we cannot return them. They will be destroyed after the selection process has been completed. Any application costs cannot be reimbursed.
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!
General Information:
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.
The university is family-friendly, diverse and sees itself as an international university. 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 promotes the employment of women at all levels. Women are therefore expressly encouraged to apply.
Disabled applicants will be given priority if their professional and personal qualifications are essentially the same.
How to apply
Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.