Call for applications for18 Doctoral (75% E13 TV-L) and 6 Postdoctoral Positions (100% E13 TV-L) in the Collaborative Research Center studying habitability for life as we know it based on fundamental physio-geo-chemical processes set by the planet’s evolution.
The SFB 1759 is a newly established Collaborative Research Center studying habitability for life as we know it based on fundamental physio-geo-chemical processes set by the planet’s evolution. The study of planetary habitability in this SFB is therefore oriented along the planetary boundary conditions set by astronomy, physics, chemistry and geology, rather than Earth-specific biological evolution. By focusing on the environments in which life may (or may not) evolve, the SFB will be able to define which signatures (such as trace elements in an atmosphere) can be explained by abiotic processes, and which would indeed need some form of extraterrestrial life, leading to a new database of potential biosignatures as well as traces of habitability. As finding potential biosignatures or traces of habitability may also impact society, the SFB takes a holistic approach and investigates also ethical considerations, how scientists communicate scientific results to the public and how these are discussed in social media, as well as the general perception of the public and factors influencing this. In the SFB, different views on one of the most important questions of humanity — are we alone in the universe? — will therefore be examined hand in hand with different perspectives in natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
We invite applications for 6 Postdoctoral and 18 Doctoral positions 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 regularworking 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.
For details about the individual positions and projects, see the
overview below as well as the project overview website:
https://sfb1759-planetary-habitability.de/
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.
More information on the positions including necessary requirements will be linked on the project overview website once published by the institutions. 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.
Start date: 22 July 2026
Deadline: until all positions have been filled.
PhD Position in Planetary Science, NCCR Genesis, University of Geneva, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
One Genesis-funded 4-year PhD position is currently available at the University of Geneva Department of Astronomy and CVU (Life in the Universe Center), in strong collaboration with ETH Zürich, starting on September 1st 2026. The successful candidate will perform simulations of rocky planets’ interior-atmosphere interactions. They will be fully integrated within the Exoplanet Team at the Observatory of Geneva and will also be integrated in Prof. P. Tackley’s Geophysical Fluid Dynamics group at ETH Zürich.
Start date: September 2026
Deadline: Review of applications will begin on 15th June 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Post-Doctoral Position on Astrochemistry/Planetology in Aix-Marseille University, PIIM Laboratory
Impact of space weathering to detect organic matter in mineral matrices simulating solar system bodies
This project investigates the origin and chemical evolution of extraterrestrial organic matter in past or present aqueous environments of Solar System bodies. Primitive bodies of our solar system, such as comets and asteroids, are rich in organic matter and their study can provide important information about the nature of the organic matter delivered to the planets and satellites of the solar system, which could have led to prebiotic chemistry. However, primitive bodies and planetary surfaces such as Mars are generally subject to space weathering (ultraviolet light, cosmic rays) due to the
absence (or negligible presence) of an atmosphere. For the detection of OM in solar system bodies, it is of paramount importance to know the extent to which space weathering will affect their detectability and attenuate OM signatures. This topic is in line with the return of samples from asteroids (Hayabusa 2, Osirix-Rex), the current and future mission to Mars (Curiosity-ExoMars), and the observations of small Solar System bodies (e.g. Ceres and the TNOs), especially with the new opportunities provided by JWST.
The preferred candidate will have a PhD (or close to completion) in astrochemistry, planetary sciences, chemistry or a closely related field, with knowledge and familiarity in spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV, Raman) and experimental works.
STARTING DATE: expected before July 2026