Multiple positions Student assistant (f/m/d) 41 h/month limited to 2 years reference cod: SFB1759-Z-SHK

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: https://www.geo.fu-berlin.de/en/geol/fachrichtungen/planet/projects/SFB1759

Within the SFB 1759, the Institute of Geological Sciences is offering one position each in the WG Becker (Geochemistry), WG John (Mineralogy), the WG Webb (Tectonics), and the WG Göppert (Hydrogeology), as well as three positions in WG Postberg (Planetology) for student employees.

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 1 October 2026. The starting dates are flexible.

Applications can be written in English and should include a cover letter, 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 in your application which WGs you are interested in and email your application using the reference code „SFB1759-Z-SHK“ to [email protected].

Job Description

The tasks are distributed as follows:

• The position in the group of Harry Becker will support laboratory activities (cleaning processes, support with ion chromatography, dilution of acids, chemical inventory, and production of sample carriers for mass spectrometry).
• The position in the group of Timm John will support the project during sample preparation and analytical laboratory work.
• The position in the group of Alexander Webb will help with sample crushing, sample preparation, beaker cleaning and column chemistry.
• The position in the group of Nadine Göppert will support the modelling of groundwater chemistry.
• The first position in the group of Frank Postberg will assist Nozair Khawaja and Juergen Schmidt with sample preparation and running experimental and theoretical simulations related to Enceladus subsurface geophysical processes.
• The second position will assist Maryse Napoleoni to provide support in laboratory experiments related to Terrestrial Environments Analogue to Icy Moons.
• The last position will help with data acquisition, database building, and literature research. Supervised mapping efforts will be carried out by the student assistant, as well as coordination tasks of the different work packages of the project together with Christoph Gross.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assisting with the organization of conferences and workshops
• Contributing to the research network’s website
• Assisting with the project’s data management

Desirable

• Interest in the research topics of SFB 1759
• Enrolled in a science degree program (BSc or MSc), preferably in geology or planetary sciences
• Ability to work well in a team and a passion for sharing knowledge
• Excellent written and spoken English skills (B2 level)
• Experience in the research area relevant to the position
• Passion for academic work