The SFB "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.
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Job description:
In this project we will investigate the subsurface environment and the evolution of the groundwater table on Mars through time by combining numerical models of large-scale impacts, impact-induced hydrothermal systems, interior evolution, and water-rock reactions. This combined modelling approach will provide a unique framework to investigate the formation and evolution of subsurface habitable environments on Mars. The Postdoctoral researcher will address two major topics (impact effects on the subsurface environment and formation of hydrothermal systems), working with a model to investigate the formation and evolution of hydrothermal systems, and by including extensive changes to the iSALE code, requiring experience in using the iSALE code and code development in general. For more information, please contact Kai Wünnemann ().
Requirements:
Completed PhD in Planetary Sciences or a related field by the time of employment.
Desirable:
• Excellent academic record and doctorate/PhD thesis
• Practical experience in the numerical modeling of geodynamic processes—ideally of impacts—and programming skills in Python, Fortran, or C
• 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)