Research assistant (praedoc) (f/m/d) - SFB1759-B04-EK

Fachbereich Geowissenschaften - Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften Planetare Geodynamik, SFB 1759

75 % part-time job
limited till 30.06.2030
salary grade (Entgeltgruppe) 13 TV-L FU
reference code: SFB1759-B04-EK

The SFB 1759 "Habitability as a fundamental planetary process: Towards a paradigm shift away from our perception of the uniqueness of Earth" 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.

More information:

The planned position is offered at the Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Geological Sciences, in Berlin, Germany. Review of applications will start on the day after the application deadline until the position is filled. The earliest starting date of the position is the October 1 st , 2026. The starting dates are flexible but funding is limited to June 30 th , 2030.

Applications should be written in English and include a cover letter, the names and email addresses two referees, CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, all combined into a single pdf (max. 10 MB). It is possible to apply for multiple positions offered within the SFB at the same time, please indicate the reference code(s) for the position(s) that you are applying for and email your application to [email protected] .

Job description:

We are seeking applicants at prae-doc level for a position in the newly established collaborative research center SFB 1759. There is an opportunity to pursue a doctoral degree.

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. The PhD researcher 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. For more information, please contact Engin Keles ( [email protected] ).

Requirements:

Completed MSc in Astronomy, Physics, Geological Sciences or a related field by the time of employment.

Desirable:

• Background in exoplanet atmospheres and their analysis is desirable
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, good communication skills, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Very good written and spoken English (B2/C1)

Applications should be sent by e-mail, together with significant documents (complete CV incl. all certificates, letter of motivation, references), indicating the reference code, no later than August 10 th , 2026 in PDF format (preferably as one document) to Herrn Dr. Engin Keles: [email protected] or postal to

Freie Universität Berlin
Fachbereich Geowissenschaften
Institut für Geologische Wissenschaften
Planetare Geodynamik, SFB 1759
Herrn Dr. Engin Keles
Malteserstr. 74-100
Haus D, 12249 Berlin (Lankwitz)

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Freie Universität Berlin is an equal opportunity employer.