Location

Duisburg

Application area

Faculty of Engineering, Department of Medical Technology Systems

Research assistent / PhD student (f/m/d, No. 399-25)
EG 13 TV-L

From 1 January 2026, the UDE will be involved in the newly funded Cluster of Excellence ‘The Martian Mindset - Resource Scarcity as the Basis of a Paradigm of Sustainability’ at the University of Bremen. This is a position in the institute of ‘Medical Technology Systems’, headed by Prof Elsa A Kirchner. Prof Kirchner is a cooperation partner of the Cluster of Excellence.

Other participating institutes on the University of Bremen campus are the University of Bremen, the Leibniz Institute for Materials-Oriented Technologies (Leibniz-IWT), the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Applied Materials Research (IFAM), the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) and the DLR Institute of Space Systems (DLR RY)

The Martian Mindset

The researchers adopt the ‘Martian perspective’ in order to rethink the production of materials and components from the ground up: the scarcity of resources and extreme conditions on the red planet serve as an experimental setting to develop a new paradigm of sustainability that enables innovative resource- and energy-saving processes of material extraction and processing.

The position advertised at the UDE is one of up to 20 positions for doctoral students who want to contribute to the sustainable exploration of space by humans and drive the green transition on Earth. The challenging and interdisciplinary research in the Cluster of Excellence ‘The Mars Perspective’ comprises ten multi-layered research foci in the areas of material extraction, processing and production. Detailed information on the ten research foci, the project leaders and vacancies can be found on the website at:

www.mars.uni-bremen.de

The position advertised here focuses on production and researches the facilitation and improvement of human-robot interaction with an emphasis on the use of implicit interaction paths that are made comprehensible to the robot by analyzing multimodal human biosignals using machine learning methods. The research focus here is on research into co-adaptation between humans and robots, using virtual immersion and the analysis of human states and intentions on the basis of human biosignals and intuitive control by an active exoskeleton.

Start of employment

2026-01-01 or possibly earlier

Duration of employment

3,5 years (subject to final approval)

Working time

39 h 50 min (part-time employment is possible)

Your main tasks

As a scientist at ‘The Martian Mindset’, you will work on innovative and challenging scientific projects and contribute to the further development of the research field. Your main tasks will include in particular:

• Conducting original research and preparing a dissertation in an interdisciplinary context in one of the above research areas
• Documenting, publishing and presenting research results through various channels including scientific journals and international conferences, usually in English
• Collaborate with other doctoral candidates, researchers and industry partners to advance joint scientific projects and publications
• Active participation in Cluster of Excellence events such as retreats, seminars, summer schools and workshops to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration
• Compulsory participation in our qualification program
• Development and preparation of proposals for funding research projects
• There is the possibility of performing teaching tasks independently (after individual agreements)

Your profile

We are looking for dynamic and open-minded individuals who enjoy conducting cutting-edge research in an interdisciplinary, international and diverse team. To be successful, you should bring the following to the table:

• Completed academic degree (Master's degree or university diploma) in a degree program relevant to the above-mentioned research topic
• Willingness to work in an interdisciplinary manner and collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines
• Good knowledge of English (written and spoken), e.g. B2 level
• Independent working style and good time management
• Ability to work in a team
• Willingness to cooperate and good communication skills
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills

We offer you

• State-of-the-art, unique research infrastructure
• Opportunities for international collaborations and extended research stays at renowned research institutions and laboratories around the world
• A comprehensive mentoring and qualification program tailored to your individual needs and goals, which promotes successful project completion and the transition to management positions in science and industry
• A working environment with respectful, appreciative cooperation
• a pleasant working atmosphere in a dynamic team
• the opportunity to pursue a doctorate with numerous support program
• Family friendliness through childcare facilities for your children
• Counselling for family care responsibilities
• A wide range of further education and training programs, individual induction training
• excellent public transport connections and free parking spaces
• attractive sports and health program (university sports)
• the possibility of working from home

Application deadline

2025-08-22

Code number

399-25

Application

Do you combine curiosity and interest in scientific issues and have a strong desire to contribute to the sustainable exploration of space by humans and to green change on Earth? Then we look forward to receiving your application!

Please send your application with the usual documents quoting reference number 399-25, to Prof Elsa Andrea Kirchner, University of Duisburg-Essen, Faculty of Engineering, 47048 Duisburg, phone: +49 203 379 4135, e-mail: elsa.kirchner@uni-due.de.

In your application in the context of the Cluster of Excellence ‘The Martian Mindset’, reference should be made to the research content described above.

Information about the job

Further information on our qualification concept can be found on our website: www.mars.uni-bremen.de

You can find information about the faculty and the office that advertised the position at: https://www.uni-due.de/smt/

Open minded

We are a young, innovative university located in the heart of the Ruhr metropolis. We pride ourselves in outstanding research and teaching, think in terms of opportunities rather than limitations and develop ideas with a view to the future. Diversity is an integral part of our culture as we promote potential and are committed to upholding genuine equity in education.

Learn more

University of Duisburg-Essen pursues the goal of promoting the diversity of its members.
www.uni-due.de/diversity/en

In accordance with the State Equal Opportunities Act, women with the same qualifications are given preferential consideration.

Applications from suitable disabled persons and persons of equal status within the meaning of § 2 para. 3 SGB IX are desired.

By applying for one of the advertised positions, you expressly agree to the requirements in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and to being contacted by mail. Further information on data protection can be found here.

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