Postdoctoral Fellow

Organisation/Company University of Bremen Department The Martian Mindset Research Field Other Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions Postdoc Positions Application Deadline 31 Jul 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Country Germany Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Reference Number A109-26 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description The Martian Mindset Open Idea Competition The Cluster of Excellence “The Martian Mindset” at the University of Bremen invites outstanding postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines worldwide to apply for independent, full-time postdoctoral positions (up to 36 months). These positions are part of our strategic vision to pioneer new research frontiers for the Cluster and support exceptionally qualified postdoctoral researchers pave the way for the next stages of their academic career. 2 independent postdoctoral researchers (f/m/d) salary scale (German) 14 TV-L, full-time The positions are limited 1.1.2027 – 31.12.2029 (according to § 2 WissZeitVG) The University of Bremen as an employer With around 20,000 students and approximately 3,500 staff members, the University of Bremen is a medium-sized university. It ranks among the universities in Germany with the highest levels of external funding and research activity. The Martian Mindset “The Martian Mindset - A scarcity-driven engineering paradigm” is a newly funded Cluster of Excellence established at the University of Bremen in 2026. 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. More information on the ten research foci, the project leaders are available on our website: mars.uni-bremen.de The Open Idea Competition The Open Idea program comprises a total of eight postdoctoral positions advertised in four calls (2026 – 2029) with two positions each to start in years 2027 to 2030. We are particularly committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in science. Six of the eight positions will be specifically reserved for researchers from our equity and diversity target groups (women, international researchers, first‑generation academics). This initiative reflects our belief that diverse perspectives are essential for transformative research and innovation. By supporting early‑career researchers from under‑represented groups, we aim to create a more inclusive scientific ecosystem and ensure that the next generation of research leaders reflects the global diversity of talent. We are looking for dynamic and open‑minded personalities who enjoy conducting cutting‑edge research in an interdisciplinary, international, and diverse team. We welcome applications from R2 researchers of all disciplines who have completed their PhD (or will have completed it before the start of the position). Candidates from all countries are encouraged to apply. Your main responsibilities will include We seek bold, original, and interdisciplinary research proposals that push the boundaries of knowledge. The Cluster welcomes projects that: Address fundamental questions and contribute to the long‑term vision of The Martian Mindset Substantially extend the research conducted by the Cluster and the host’s group Explore novel methodologies or challenge established paradigms. Your convincing 3-year research program should demonstrate scientific originality, methodological rigor, feasibility, and potential for high‑impact outcomes. Requirements Key Criteria are: A completed academic university degree (Master/University Diploma) in any field relevant to The Martian Mindset PhD degree (or proof of imminent completion) in any field relevant to The Martian Mindset Academic excellence (e.g. outstanding dissertation, prizes, awards, high-impact publications …) Eagerness to contribute to a sustainable human exploration of space and to a green transition on Earth Convincing 3‑year research program (see above, main responsibilities) Support from a host from one of the participating institutions (see below) Proficiency in English (written and spoken) It would also be an advantage to have: Host The successful candidates are expected to carry out their research independently and will become project leaders in the Cluster. They will be hosted by an experienced researcher (R3‑R4) from the University of Bremen or one of the Cluster’s participating institutions, who will also become a project leader in the Cluster if they are not already. The hosts need to provide a letter of support which confirms the availability of research facilities and explains how the proposed project substantially extends both the Cluster’s research and that of the host’s own research group.There must be no overlap with current research topics of the Cluster. We offer These positions are designed not only to advance groundbreaking research but also to accelerate the career development of early‑career researchers. As a postdoctoral researcher in The Martian Mindset, you will: Lead an independent research project with full scientific and budgetary autonomy. Receive personalized mentoring and career coaching. Gain experience in grant writing, team leadership, and public engagement. Benefit from integration into a vibrant, interdisciplinary research community. Get access to state‑of‑the‑art, unique research infrastructure. Be supported in preparing applications for professorships, fellowships, and positions. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders — especially those from underrepresented groups — and ensuring that your time in Bremen becomes a pivotal step towards a sustained academic career. Funding and employment The grant will include funding for the own postdoctoral position: up to 36 months, TVL 14, full‑time (part‑time work is generally possible), a basic yearly budget of 10.000€ for travel, student assistants, and consumables. In addition, it is possible to apply for additional funding for project specific expenditures and instrumentation necessary to carry out the project. A condition of employment is that a temporary employment of three years is possible according to the German law on limited‑duration employment contracts in science (§2 WissZeitVG). This will be examined by the universities’ human resources department on a case‑by‑case basis. Short‑listed candidates will be invited for an interview in September including a public talk, usually taking place on the campus of the University of Bremen. The final decision is expected in October 2026. If you choose to apply and send us your documents, you do so voluntarily. Any personal data contained within your documents, or obtained during the selection procedure, will be processed by the participating #J-18808-Ljbffr