Research Associate (Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate) (f/m/d) in the field of Space Microbiology

At the University of Bremen, Department 4, at the Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM), a position is available at the earliest possible date for a

Research Associate (Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate) (f/m/d)

in the field of Space Microbiology.

full-time (100% of the regular weekly working hours, 39.2 hours per week)

on a fixed-term contract for three years, ending no later than 31/01/2030 (in accordance with Section 2 of the German Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act).

The University as an employer

With around 20,000 students and approximately 3,500 employees, the University of Bremen is a medium-sized university. It is among Germany's leading universities in terms of third-party research funding and research performance. The Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) is a scientific institute in the Department of Production Engineering – Mechanical Engineering and Process Engineering – at the University of Bremen. It is an internationally recognised research center, widely known for its 150 m high drop tower. Over 100 scientists, engineers, technicians, administrative staff and students from the departments of Production Engineering, Physics and Information Technology work in the fields of fluid mechanics, space technology and space sciences.

The project:

The project is funded by the European Research Council and the researcher recruited for the advertised position will be involved in ERC project “MarCyano”. This project stems from a goal, shared by the world’s major space agencies, of sending humans to Mars within the next few decades. A sustainable human presence there, akin to today’s presence in Antarctica, could indeed generate paradigm-shiftiing knowledge at an unprecedented pace. One major challenge lies in providing the food, oxygen and other necessary consumables: these cannot be shipped from the Earth over the long term. They should instead be produced on site and for this, Nostocaceae cyanobacteria can be instrumental: fed with materials available in the Martian ground and atmosphere, they could provide feedstock for a range of bioprocesses which, in turn, could produce a wide range of consumables. However, fundamental knowledge is lacking to turn this concept into practical solutions: the physiology of cyanobacteria in the foreseen cultivation conditions is poorly understood. These conditions combine low total pressures, low partial pressures of dinitrogen, interactions with a basaltic substrate from which nutrients are leached, and high concentrations of chaotropic salts.

In project MarCyano, our team enables a deep understanding of cyanobacterial physiology in these conditions. For this we employ a unique approach combining cultivation assays in unique hardware previously developed in-house, adaptive laboratory evolution, cuting-edge “omics” technologies, the development of a mathematical model which can predict the productivity and efficiency of cyanobacterium cultivation from Martian resources, and the construction of a testbed for the experimental validation of this model. We will use the generated knowledge and tools to design, characterize and demonstrate the viability of bioprocesses which dramatically improve the odds that Mars exploration is done in a sustainable way. Finally, we will adapt the concepts developed for bioproduction on Mars to open new avenues for sustainability on Earth.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Conceiving photobioreactor hardware for cyanobacterium cultivation on Mars.

• Developing a mathematical model for the growth of cyanobacteria within this hardware.

• Conducting, and analyzing the results of, experiments aimed at beter understanding the behavior of cyanobacteria in the conditions expected during their cultivation on Mars.

• Designing and building a testbed (with support from ZARM engineers) based on the conceived hardware.

• Using the testbed to refine and validate the developed model.

• Contributing to routine laboratory tasks (e.g., maintaining microbial cultures).

• Contributing to the training and mentoring of less experienced students.

• Elaborating your own scientific work, such as preparing a doctoral thesis and scientific publications.

What you bring

• A successfully completed university degree (Master's degree or equivalent university diploma) in Biology, Engineering, Mathematics, or Physics. Applications are also welcome from candidates who are in the final stage of their Master's degree. Please note that submission of the Master's degree certificate is mandatory before employment can begin.

• Experience in bioprocess modeling and hardware development.

• Good writen and spoken English proficiency (minimum CEFR B2).

• The ability to work independently and enjoy working as part of a team.

Knowledge of German is not required.

What we offer

• Depending on your qualifications and experience, a gross annual salary under the TV-L collective agreement ranging from €57,112 (Pay Level 1) to €81,176 (Pay Level 6) for a full-􀆟me posi􀆟on.

The University will determine your individual pay level based on your relevant professional experience if you are offered the position. Your pay level also determines additional benefits, such as the annual special payment ("Christmas bonus") and any opportunities for salary progression within the advertised pay grade. Salary classification is based on the applicable provisions of the TV-L collective agreement, in particular Section 16 TV-L. For civil servants, remuneration is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Bremen Civil Service Salary Act.

• For employees in the public sector, an additional occupational pension scheme (VBL).

• 30 days of annual leave per calendar year (based on a five-day working week).

• A diverse, forward-looking, and open organizational culture.

• Support from a friendly, motivated team with a positive working atmosphere.

• A structured onboarding process.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.

• Support for work–life balance through flexible working hours and the option of mobile working, subject to operational requirements.

• Free social and family counseling services.

• A comprehensive workplace health management program, including discounts at local sports clubs, fitness centers, and swimming pools through the EGYM WELLPASS.

• The possibility of purchasing a job ticket

• Numerous offers for sports and cultural activities

• Varied catering options in the student cafeterias of the student union

Do you have questions?

If you have general questions about the recruitment process or specific questions about the advertised position, please contact Prof. Dr. Cyprien Verseux: cyprien.verseux@zarm.uni-bremen.de

How to apply:

Your application should include all of the following documents:

• An academic curriculum vitae (CV) (including a list of publica􀆟ons, if applicable).

• Copies of your Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates, as well as employment references, if applicable.

• The contact details of two referees.

• A leter of motivation (maximum two pages) explaining what specifically motivated you to apply for this position, why you are particularly interested in the proposed research topic, and which qualifications and experience make you a suitable candidate for the position. Please write this leter without AI assistance.

Please send your application, quoting Reference A146-26, by August 18th, 2026, as a single PDF file via unencrypted email to: cyprien.verseux@zarm.uni-bremen.de

Alternatively, you may submit your application by post to:

University of Bremen Center of Applied Space Technology and Microgravity (ZARM) Prof. Dr. Cyprien Verseux Am Fallturm 2 28359 Bremen Germany

Please note that application documents should not include a photograph.

Please submit copies only of your application documents, as application materials cannot be returned.

In accordance with Sections 12 and 13 of the GDPR, your application documents will be processed and retained in compliance with Article 6 GDPR in conjunction with Section 12 of the Bremen GDPR Implementation Act (BremDSGVOAG), Sections 85 et seq. of the Bremen Civil Service Act (BremBG), and Section 15 of the General Equal Treatment Act (AGG). They will be kept until the expiry of the applicable statutory retention period and will then be destroyed.

Any costs incurred during the application process cannot be reimbursed.

So you have a strong desire to contribute to space research?

We look forward to receiving your application!

General Information

For more than 50 years, the University of Bremen has maintained its distinctive character as a place where people and ideas come together through close collaboration and openness to unconventional approaches in research and teaching. With a broad range of academic disciplines, the University combines outstanding research performance with a strong capacity for innovation.

As a research-intensive university, Bremen is commited to research-based learning and places a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The University actively fosters international research partnerships around the world.

Today, approximately 23,000 people study, teach, conduct research, and work on its international campus. Across research, teaching, administration, and operations, the University is firmly commited to the principles of sustainability, climate justice, and climate neutrality. The "Bremen Spirit" is reflected in the courage to embrace new ideas, a supportive and collaborative working environment, and a culture of mutual respect and appreciation. Through its teaching and research profile, and as a member of the YUFE (Young Universities for the Future of Europe) alliance, the University assumes social responsibility at the regional, European, and global levels.

More you can read https://www.uni-bremen.de/universitaet/die-uni-als-arbeitgeber/offene-stellen