Research Associate in Space Sustainability (597992)

Term: Fixed Term (12 months)

The Faculty of Engineering at the University of Strathclyde is one of the largest and most successful engineering faculties in the UK, and the largest in Scotland. As a leading international technological university, Strathclyde is recognised for its world class research, knowledge exchange and educational programs. At the heart of this is the Faculty of Engineering which boasts a growing research portfolio of over £85 million.

The Aerospace Centre of Excellence in the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering seeks to appoint a Post-doctoral Research Associate in Space Sustainability to work on projects supported by the European and UK Space Agencies (ESA and UKSA) in the area of space environment management and space sustainability. The successful candidate will work in particular on AI technologies for space traffic management within the Aerospace Centre of Excellence.

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences.

You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions. You will supervise student projects, provide advice to students and contribute to teaching as required by, for example, running tutorials and supervising practical work. You will contribute in a developing capacity to Department/School, Faculty and/or University administrative and management functions and committees and engage in continuous professional development.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree, related to Space/Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science and have obtained or about to obtain a PhD in the same area with application to Space Traffic Management, AI and Astrodynamics.

You will have experience in one or more of the following areas: astrodynamics, celestial mechanics, dynamical system theory, space systems engineering, uncertainty quantification and optimisation under uncertainty, machine learning. You will have the ability to develop and deliver research activities, and work on collaborative projects involving both industry and academia. You will be ambitious and enthusiastic about cross-disciplinary working and be able to work independently and as part of a team, supporting others when required.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Prof Massimiliano Vasile, Head of the Aerospace Centre of Excellence ([email protected] / 0141 548 2326).