Department of Earth Sciences

We are currently hiring 18 Doctoral (75% E13 TV-L) and 6 Postdoctoral Researchers (100% E13 TV-L) within the SFB 1759 for the first funding period of the SFB 1759 (10/2026–06/3030). The starting dates are flexible but funding is limited to 30 June 2030. The regular working time for full (100%) employment is between 39.4 hours (for positions in Berlin) / 39.83 hours per week (Dresden and Bochum). Good English language skills (written and oral) are required. 

The participating institutions are equal opportunity employers and are committed to increasing the proportion of women academics. Consequently, we actively encourage applications by women. Female candidates with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered within the framework of the legal possibilities. We also welcome applications from candidates with severe disabilities. Disabled candidates with equivalent qualifications will be preferentially considered, although some restrictions related to accessing laboratory facilities may apply in some projects.

Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter, the names of three (postdoc positions) or two (doctoral positions) referees, CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, all combined into a single pdf (max. 10 MB). Please indicate which position(s) you are applying for via the reference codes below and email your application to coord@sfb1759-planetary-habitability.de. Please also consider the more detailed description of the positions including necessary requirements posted on the institutional websites. All individual position announcements will be linked here once published by the institutions in the coming weeks. Positions may have different individual application deadlines, but review of all applications will begin 22 July 2026 and will continue until all positions have been filled.

• Doctoral position in A01 | Composition (FUB, Berlin): The main aim of the subproject is to understand which processes control the formation and early evolution of volatile-rich and volatile-poor bodies in the solar system, and to use that knowledge for predictions of compositional trends in planetary building blocks and final accreted planets in other stellar systems. To reach that goal, we will combine modelling studies with geochemical evidence from planetary materials of the solar system. The PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-A01-HB) will assist in sample acquisition and will perform sample preparation, digestion, bulk chemical major and trace element analysis by ICP-MS, and mass-independent isotope analysis on TIMS and MC-ICP-MS instruments. Participation in laboratory organization will be expected. Practical skills and hands-on laboratory experience in geochemistry are desirable. For more information, please contact Harry Becker (hbecker@zedat.fu-berlin.de).

• Two doctoral positions in A02 | Water (FUB/TUB, Berlin): Focusing on the interior evolution and chemical properties of early solar system planetesimals from which hydrous meteorites originated, this subproject addresses early physical and chemical properties of these bodies and their relevance for habitability in the solar system, which is one of the key questions of the CRC. The first PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-A02-ON) will implement a thermal evolution model as well as a chemical model for the mineralogical evolution, in particular to study the timescale of the availability of aqueous solutions and their chemical composition on parent bodies. The second PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-A02-HB) will assist in sample acquisition, will perform sample preparation, and bulk chemical major and trace element analysis of different sample aliquots. Additional work includes SEM, EPMA, and Micro-Raman studies to characterise polished thin sections for analyses of O isotopes in minerals and Mn-Cr dating of carbonates by SIMS. Practical skills and hands-on laboratory experience in geochemistry and petrology are desirable. For more information, please contact Jürgen Oberst (juergen.oberst@tu-berlin.de) and Wladimir Neumann (wladimir.neumann@tu-berlin.de) for the first position, and Harry Becker (hbecker@zedat.fu-berlin.de) for the second position.

• Two doctoral positions in A03 | Organics (FUB, Berlin): The availability and stability of organic compounds on planetary surfaces constitute a fundamental prerequisite for planetary habitability, the central theme of this consortium. The research aims to elucidate the formation pathways and functionality of organic molecules and their molecular precursors under physicochemical conditions relevant to various solar system environments. To achieve this, we will conduct a systematic series of autoclave experiments employing carbon dioxide and selected rock compositions. The first PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-A03-AB) will prepare, plan, conduct, and analyze fluid-solid interaction experiments. This includes sample preparation, chemical separation, analyses using e.g., EPMA, XRD, HPLC-MS, and data interpretation. The second PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-A03-JR) will prepare, plan, conduct, and analyze reactions for the formation of amino acids, the oligomerization of amino acids, and the templated formation of functional peptides. For more information, please contact Andreas Beinlich (andreas.beinlich@fu-berlin.de) and Jörg Rademann (joerg.rademann@fu-berlin.de).

• Doctoral position in A05 | Volatile Cycles (FUB, Berlin): In this project we will acquire key new data to illuminate the volatile cycling between interior, surface, and atmosphere on early Earth. This data will be used to test and tune models for early Earth. We will investigate in key cratons in order to complete a first order Archean-spanning record of sulfur partitioning and V/Sc (a useful redox proxy). These records are critical inputs for geodynamic models of the sulfur cycle and mantle redox conditions over time. Such work will also serve to inform the similar model explorations of Mars and Venus. By combining interior dynamics and atmosphere-surface interactions, our comparative study of volatile cycling on Earth, Mars, and Venus will provide unique insights into their habitability through time. The PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-A05-HW) will perform the sample preparation, sulfide characterization of selected samples, and the chemical extraction of sulfur. The samples will be measured on the NEOMA MC-ICPMS at FUB. The PhD researcher will also conduct sample digestion of samples that have not been previously characterized for trace element abundances, including V/Sc. The PhD researcher will measure these samples on the ElementXR ICP-MS at FUB. The PhD researcher will conduct also models for sulfur budgeting. For more information, please contact Elis Hoffmann (j.e.hoffmann@fu-berlin.de) and Alex Webb (a.webb@fu-berlin.de).

• Postdoctoral position in B01 | Differentiation (FUB/TUB, Berlin): The subproject will study the coupled thermal and orbital evolution of icy moons, focusing in the first project phase on Saturn’s active moon Enceladus. The task of the postdoctoral work will be to investigate the orbital evolution, including the interaction with the planet, the Saturnian satellite system, and the rings. The research will be carried out in close collaboration with a doctoral position in B01, that will study the interior evolution and differentiation of Enceladus. For plausible orbital evolution scenarios the coupling of these processes will be explored, which is established by the temperature and frequency dependent mechanical properties of the interior. The postdoctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-B01-JS) will implement an N-body code for the orbital evolution of a system of icy satellites and will include tidal interactions in that model to study the coupled thermal and orbital evolution. Also numerically less demanding approximations will be used, in terms of orbit averaged evolution equations for the orbital parameters. In later phases, the methods will be applied to other icy moons, dwarf planets, KBOs, and exomoons. In this way the project will contribute to the understanding of the formation of habitable niches on bodies with a substantial water fraction. The researcher will conduct parameter studies, analyse the results, present at conferences, and contribute to publications. For more information, please contact Jürgen Schmidt (juergen.schmidt@fu-berlin.de).

• Postdoctoral position in B02 | Ice shells (DLR/FUB, Berlin): In this project we will investigate the efficiency of material transport between the surface and the subsurface ocean of Europa. We will combine large-scale dynamics within the ice shell with impact processes to determine to what extent material exchange between surface and ocean on Europa could be facilitated by impacts and how impacts affect the ice shell structure and evolution. This project will investigate what type of material will reach the surface, at what locations, and on which timescales. This information can in turn be used to provide predictions for future measurements to assess the habitability of the subsurface ocean of Europa. The Postdoctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-B02-AP) will perform thermochemical geodynamic modelling necessary to address material transport through the ice shell including surface mobilization, incorporate the effects of impacts on the ice shell dynamics and material transport through the ice shell, and model the surface composition. For more information, please contact Ana-Catalina Plesa (ana.plesa@dlr.de).

• One Postdoctoral and two Doctoral positions in B03 | Mars (FUB/DLR, Berlin): In this project we will investigate the subsurface environment and the evolution of the groundwater table on Mars through time by combining numerical models of large-scale impacts, impact-induced hydrothermal systems, interior evolution, and water-rock reactions. This combined modelling approach will provide a unique framework to investigate the formation and evolution of subsurface habitable environments on Mars. The Postdoctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-B03-KW) will address two major topics (impact effects on the subsurface environment and formation of hydrothermal systems), working with a model to investigate the formation and evolution of hydrothermal systems, and by including extensive changes to the iSALE code, requiring experience in using the iSALE code and code development in general. The first PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-B03-AP) will run thermal evolution models including the effects of large-scale impacts and develop groundwater maps at various points in time. The second PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-B03-TJ) will perform thermodynamic modeling of fluid storage capacities of various Martin crust lithologies, determine the fluid chemistry and petrophysic properties of Martian crust, and provide look up tables. For more information, please contact Kai Wünnemann (Kai.Wuennemann@mfn.berlin), Ana-Catalina Plesa (ana.plesa@dlr.de) and Timm John (timm.john@fu-berlin.de).

• Two Doctoral positions in B04 | Venus (FUB/DLR, Berlin): In this project, we aim to explore the diverse possible evolutionary scenarios for hot rocky worlds and exoVenuses, including potential limits to their habitability by applying observational constraints and state-of-the-art models. We will make use thereby of high-resolution transit observations of hot rocky planets to apply data analyses constraining the atmospheric bulk composition. Based on this data, we will then simulate the atmospheric climate and composition using the 1D-TERRA model for both known and hypothetical objects. Finally, we will calculate theoretical spectra and perform detectability studies of key spectral features observed with JWST, LIFE, and ELT. We will assess the impact of our results by investigating which parameters favour evolution away from habitable conditions into hot, exoVenus end-states. The first PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-B04-EK) will derive the transmission and emission spectra for different rocky planets observed at the Large-Binocular-Telescope and search for atmospheric fingerprints. For this, a model-suite will be developed combining open-source models to model atmospheric template spectra accounting for different compositions. The second PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-B04-LG) will implement and test the surface weathering and cloud updates into 1D-TERRA. The doctoral candidate will perform wide-ranging exoVenus scenarios with the updated model and calculate detectability for e.g. ELT and LIFE. For more information, please contact Engin Keles (engin.keles@fu-berlin.de) and John Lee Grenfell (Lee.Grenfell@dlr.de).

• One Postdoctoral and one Doctoral position in B05 | Statistics (FUB/DLR, Berlin): The overarching goal of this project is to develop an integrated, physics-based framework to assess the long-term habitability of rocky exoplanets. We aim to quantify how a planet’s interior structure, tectonic regime, volatile cycling, and redox state interact with its atmospheric evolution and escape processes to determine whether liquid water can persist on its surface over geological timescales. The postdoctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-B05-HR) will advance the 1D-TERRA atmospheric code and couple it with the interior–atmosphere code TEMPURA. The researcher will then calculate theoretical spectra and conduct detectability analyses with current and future missions. The Doctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-B05-NT) will extend the TEMPURA code and perform ensembles of coupled interior-atmosphere simulations of long-term planetary habitability. For more information, please contact Heike Rauer (heike.rauer@dlr.de) and Nicola Tosi (nicola.tosi@dlr.de).
  Please note that a potential additional Doctoral position (UV, Austria) related to this project at University of Vienna may be announced at a later point pending the separate funding decision of FWF, with a salary according to the FWF salary scheme. This Doctoral researcher would use the computer codes KISEL and Kompot to develop easily usable parametrizations for atmospheric escape processes. For any questions related to that position, please contact Kristina Kislyakova (kristina.kislyakova@univie.ac.at).

• Doctoral position B06 | Dust (FUB, Berlin): The potential impact of atmospheric mineral dust on the climate and habitability of exoplanets, their observable spectral signature, as well as the sensitivity of this impact on various planetary parameters and the coupling of the radiative effects of dust aerosol with the atmospheric circulation and water cycle have not yet been fully explored. To address this research gap, we will use numerical model simulations of planetary atmospheres, starting with an idealized modelling framework for rocky planets. Subsequently, simulations will be performed for different scenarios, varying, for instance, the planet’s obliquity, surface dust sources, topography, and water availability. The PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-B06-SP) shall set up the idealised terra-planet model configuration and perform test simulations, followed by educated scenario simulations. For more information, please contact Stephan Pfahl (stephan.pfahl@met.fu-berlin.de).

• Two Doctoral positions in C01 | Enceladus (FUB/DLR, Berlin): The science objective is to experimentally and theoretically simulate the alteration and transformation of materials transported from Enceladus’ deep interior out to space, where the materials have been detected and quantitatively analysed. The relevant physicochemical processes will be studied from the depths of Enceladus’ rocky core, through the subsurface oceans and the flow of material through the cracks within the moon’s south polar ice crust. For the experimental part the prime technical objective is to design and develop two experimental facilities: i) A flow-type hydrothermal reactor and ii) an aerosol-producing plume simulator, the design of which is compatible with suggested geophysical conditions and geochemical processes inside Enceladus. The first PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-C01-KP) will work with the hydrothermal simulator, prepare samples of organics, and explore the effects of geophysical gradient conditions on the synthesis, degradation, transformation and polymerisation of organics in different zones within Enceladus’ core. Samples will be collected before, during, and after these simulations for measurements using different analytical techniques including, ATR-FTIR, Raman and mass spectrometry (e.g. LILBID and ICP-MS) to trace any change in the composition of hydrothermal fluid. The second PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-C01-JS) will theoretically and numerically model physical processes in the icy vents of Enceladus. Previously proposed models for ice grain formation and their transport will be evaluated and extended, based upon the current state of research, taking into account the interaction with environment in the ice vent, and specifically model the compositional segregation of ice grains. For more information, please contact Nozair Khawaja (nozair.khawaja@fu-berlin.de) and Frank Postberg (F.Postberg@fu-berlin.de) for the first position, and Jürgen Schmidt (juergen.schmidt@fu-berlin.de) for the second position.

• Doctoral position in C02 | Analogues (FUB, Berlin): The proposed research aims to investigate the detectability of molecular biosignatures in terrestrial environments analogous to icy ocean moons with techniques relevant for space exploration, to contribute to the development and scientific return of space missions at icy moons. Natural samples from both polar locations and hydrothermal sites will be the core targets of the project, and will be both analyzed directly with a range of relevant techniques focusing on composition. The PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-C02-MN) will work on the laboratory analysis of samples and will have the possibility to participate in the field campaigns. For more information, please contact Maryse Napoleoni (m.napoleoni@fu-berlin.de).

• One Doctoral and one Postdoctoral position in C03 | Biosignatures (TUB/FUB, Berlin / TU Dresden): Biosignature assessment needs to consider its stability and resilience against degradation in order to persist in the environment over relevant exposure timescales. Studying the (photo)chemical evolution and stability of biosignatures experimentally in simulated planetary environmental conditions will allow us to understand kinetic pathways, degradation routes, fragmentation products and volatilization. The subproject also addresses the crucial question of how uncertainty in biosignature detection is communicated and perceived by the public. The Doctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-C03-DS) will conduct laboratory experiments under Mars simulated conditions, which will be conducted in a specialized chamber, and will as well work in the hyperarid Atacama Desert. The researcher will use specific microorganism and evaluate what biomarkers remain after exposure to Mars or Mars-like conditions. The Postdoctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-C03-FP) will conduct microbial experiments relevant for icy moons with an electron gun in Berlin and in Leipzig. In addition, UV radiation campaigns have to be conducted in both Berlin and in the laboratories of our collaborators at the Open University in the UK, and possibly sample preparation for exposure experiments in space. The tasks also include analysis with the LILBID experiment at FUB of the samples before and after exposure. For more information, please contact Dirk Schulze-Makuch (schulze-makuch@tu-berlin.de) for the first position and Frank Postberg (frank.postberg@fu-berlin.de) for the second position.

• One Postdoctoral position in C04 | Sample return (DLR/FUB, Berlin): This interdisciplinary research project will address the societal dimensions of a sample return mission. We will differentiate between different possible scenarios from bringing back samples from other planets to Earth to finding signs of extraterrestrial life on other planets within or outside our solar system. We will specifically investigate psychological constructs, such as knowledge, education, and trust in science, but also ethical and religious aspects as well as media usage. The postdoctoral researcher in psychology (reference code SFB1759-C04-SP) will construct vignettes together with the respective researchers from the space sciences. The postdoctoral researcher will also identify, adapt, and develop new measurement scales on relevant social constructs and will evaluate their psychometric properties in validation studies. The main goal will be to construct and conduct a large representative survey of the adult German population and to analyse the data and publish the results. For more information, please contact Steffi Pohl (steffi.pohl@fu-berlin.de).

• Two Doctoral positions in C05 | Colonisation (TU Dresden / RUB Bochum / TUB/FUB, Berlin): Earth’s Moon and Mars are the only locations in the Solar system where a human outpost is, feasible in the near-term. Our project will result in a catalogue of regions of interest, containing the information, mass, concentration and maps of deposits of critical resources, for both Mars and the Moon. In addition to the scientific, technical, and ethical dimensions of establishing a human presence beyond Earth, we also examine how visions of Moon and Mars colonisation are communicated and negotiated in the public sphere. The first Doctoral researcher (reference code SFB1759-C05-MW) will primarily conduct the hermeneutical and ethical research within the project. Responsibilities include the hermeneutical research, integrating ethical and theological perspectives, and applying these to the analysis of scientists’ worldviews as well as the generation of ethical frameworks for future colonisation initiatives. The second PhD researcher (reference code SFB1759-C05-SE) will conduct the empirical work of the content analysis. Responsibilities include building and refining the codebook, collecting and coding media data, training and coordinating human coders, and implementing LLM-based automated coding. The student will evaluate inter-coder reliability between human and AI classifications, perform quantitative and qualitative analyses, and synthesize findings for publication, the PhD dissertation, and the CRC’s broader investigation of communicative dimensions of planetary colonisation. For more information, please contact Michael Waltemathe (michael.waltemathe@rub.de) and Sven Engesser (sven.engesser@tu-dresden.de).