Carsten studied Egyptology, Coptology, Assyriology, Classical Archaeology and Linguistics at the University of Göttingen (Germany), where he received his M.A. in 1996.

For his post-graduate research project, he went to the universities of Tübingen, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Basel. In 2005, he received his Ph.D. in Egyptology from the University of Basel. Until 2009, he was employed in the NCCR Iconic Criticism in Basel, where held a postdoc position.

He carried out a research project on pictographic writing-systems and the history of written communication. Carsten published, beyond his Ph.D thesis, several scientific articles on Ancient Egyptian religious, literary and writing histories and is still active as a researcher.

During his postdoc time, Carsten broadened his horizon and additionally turned his focus on research and science coordination and successfully completed a three-month Advanced Study course on Science Management.

Since July 1^st, 2010, Carsten is in charge of the NCCR TransCure’s finances and administrative coordination.