Head of department Planetary Geology

The Institute of Planetary Research performs research programs to explore the solar system and to investigate its origin and its evolution, including life, in order to understand why we humans are where we are. We carry out research on planets, satellites and small bodies and compare our solar system with other planetary systems for which we contribute to their discovery and their characterization. For exploration we use latest methods of remote sensing and in-situ investigations. For research we use methods, from the field of geosciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics as well as life science. We model and interpret, perform research in laboratories, develop modern sensor technology and develop instrumentation for space science missions.

The department “Planetary Geology” carries out research on solid surfaces of planets, moons, asteroids and comets and explores thus the boundary layer that separates the interior of the respective planetary body from the surrounding atmosphere or space. Planetary surfaces interact with the solid matter of the substrate, with the superposed volatile matter and with the interplanetary space and therefore are affected by endogenic and exogenic processes.

The tasks associated with the position are:

As the head of the department you are responsible for about 20 employees. Your tasks include:

• lead of the department Planetary Geology
• independent scientific research in one or more of the research areas: planetary geology,
• mineralogy and spectroscopy, or in geophysics.
• initiation and management of complex national and international scientific research projects
• in the field of planetary geology
• acquisition of national and international third-party funding
• participation in management and strategic meetings of the institute
• supervision of young scientists (PhD students, postgraduates)