Since the first Apollo Mission on the Moon in 1969, the Space Research and Planetary Sciences Division at the University of Bern has been actively involved in space exploration missions to objects in our solar system, such as the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and others.

For a potential life detection mission on Mars, we need to technically upgrade and validate a highly sensitive laser-based mass spectrometry system to measure organic molecules in the Mojave Desert, USA. Mission preparation activities are being led by our colleagues at NASA Ames Research Center (NASA ARC) with whom we are working closely on this project. Current plans foresee the first operation of our laboratory setup as standalone instrument in 2026 and a joint operation with another instrument designed for organics extraction from soil in the desert in 2027 with NASA ARC. To help us meet these challenges, we are now looking for two enthusiastic Mechanical or Mechatronics Engineers.

The development of the laser-based instrument will be led by the University of Bern. This three-year project can be divided in two parallel branches. The first focuses on the technical upgrade and the validation of an existing laboratory setup for use in the Mohave Desert, serving as Mars analogue site. The second aims to design, build, and validate a flight-like system for in-situ deployment in the final year of this project. In the latter case, the mass spectrometer will be coupled to a sample carousel on which the extraction unit (NASA ARC) will be integrated. Together they represent the first flight-like operation of the future hardware to be developed for the Mars mission.

Two candidates covering the following tasks as a team will be selected

• Design and implementation of hardware for both field campaigns in the Mohave Desert, USA.
• Test and validate the hardware with the science team in the laboratories of the University of Bern.
• Participation and support of the science activities in the Mohave Desert.
• Based on a commercial equipment, develop and implement a flight-like prototype pumping system for future application on Mars.

Requirements

• Bachelor diploma in engineering, higher technical education, or equivalent.
• For at least one of the two positions, a good track record in complex systems development is expected.
• Experience and familiarity with vacuum systems and/or space projects would also be an advantage.
• The responsibilities of these positions require flexibility to travel.
• Good written and spoken English is required. German would be an advantage.

We offer

• The position is available immediately until October 2027, which is the end of this project.
• This position offers a great opportunity to work in the exciting field of space science and exploration.
• Our institute is based on-site at the University of Bern, Sidlerstrasse 5, CH-3012 Bern.
• The salary range is determined in accordance with the personnel regulations of the Canton of Bern.

Application

Please send an application including your CV (in months/years), motivation letter and applicable diplomas to Tina Rothenbühler, tina.rothenbuehler@unibe.ch.

PD Dr. Andreas Riedo would be pleased to answer your questions concerning the position and job description via e-mail: andreas.riedo@unibe.ch

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