SFB 1759
Habitability as a fundamental planetary process
Towards a paradigm shift away from our perception of the uniqueness of Earth
Call for applications for 18 Doctoral (75% E13 TV-L) and 6 Postdoctoral Positions (100% E13 TV-L)
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 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.
For details about the individual positions and projects, see the
overview below as well as the project overview website:
https://sfb1759-planetary-habitability.de/
15 MSCA Doctoral Positions (PhD) in Planetary Exploration – EXODOCS Doctoral Network
Are you passionate about planetary exploration? Do you want to contribute to a flagship ESA Astrobiology mission? Would you like to join the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Mission science team in the search for life on Mars?
This is a unique opportunity to launch your career in planetary science and space research.
We are excited to announce that the 15 PhD positions of the EXODOCS Doctoral Network are published on EURAXESS:
These positions are distributed across leading European institutions in planetary science and space research, offering cutting-edge training and direct involvement in ExoMars-related science and operations.
Application deadline: 31 May 2026
Aktuelle Ausschreibungen der ESA:
ESA Graduate Trainee positions have just been advertised at https://jobs.esa.int .
There are 110 vacancies listed, if I count correctly, all across ESA.
As a reminder, this scheme provides 1 year of employment at ESA sites, often extendable to 2 years, for graduates with Masters-level qualification.
Some of the posts relevant to Mars missions include:
Mars Orbiting Missions Operations Unit (ESOC, DE)
Systems Engineering for a Mars Precision Lander (ESTEC, NL)
Planetary Radio Occultation (ESTEC, NL)
ExoMars/Rosalind Franklin Mass Spectrometry Instrument Optimisation (ESTEC, NL)
Machine Learning & Accessibility for Space Science (ESAC, ES)
Positioning, Navigation and Timing for Lunar Mars Exploration (ESTEC, NL)
Human and Robotic Exploration Programme Management Support (ESTEC, NL)
Simulant Research and Development (Vulcan Facility) (ECSAT, UK)
Development and Integration of Tools for Supporting Field Science Activities (ESTEC, NL)
Science Mission Payload Preparation (ESTEC, NL)
More information at https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Careers_at_ESA/Apply_now_to_be_an_ESA_YGT
Application deadline is 7 March.
