Assistant Professor of Multi-Satellite Systems

Challenge: Developing novel approaches for multi-satellite systems.

Change: Making space systems more powerful.

Impact: Meeting rapidly growing societal demands for space systems.

Multi-satellite systems have become increasingly relevant in today's world due to their diverse applications, such as communications, remote sensing, navigation, and scientific research. These systems, comprising multiple satellites working together in a coordinated manner, allow increased spatial and temporal resolution and enable novel applications through the concept of virtual payloads.

You will develop your vision and your own research line in areas such as Guidance, Navigation and Control or the design and integration of miniaturised payloads to enhance the performance, autonomy, and versatility of multi-satellite systems for applications such as Earth Observation and Space Situational Awareness. You will attract funding from international authorities, such as ESA and the EC, the Dutch Research Council or industrial partners, and build and supervise your team of PhD candidates. Additionally, you will contribute to teaching and mentoring BSc and MSc students, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in space engineering. Your work will have a clear societal impact with a high level of visibility on national and international level.

You will join our internationally diverse and inclusive team of world-recognized leading scientists with more than 20 academic staff and PhD students in the Section of Space  Systems Engineering. We are committed to an open and cooperative work environment. State-of-the-art research facilities, including a Space Lab, a laser communication Lab and a Guidance, Navigation and Control Lab are at your disposal. Moreover, you will get all the support and coaching you need to evolve and develop your academic career.

• You have a PhD in a relevant subject, such as - but not limited to - Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Physics.
• You have an outstanding research record as demonstrated by excellent publications.
• You have extensive experience on e.g. modeling, simulating and testing of complex systems. Past experience with space systems is expected.
• You have an international profile with an active international network.
• You have an appreciation of the complexity of real space systems and a passion for conducting research geared to implementing such systems in realistic environments.
• You have the capability to contribute to high-quality teaching, demonstrated by teaching experience at university level.
• You have a good command of spoken and written English, as you will be working in an internationally diverse community and with international partners.

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. 

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service . This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values  and we actively engage  to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here  to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Dr. Alessandra Menicucci, email: [email protected] or by phone: (+)31-15-27-87401

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 June 2024 via the application button and upload your application material, including:

• A cover letter (please clearly indicate how your interest/experience is linked with and complement the aforementioned research areas and teaching activities),
• A detailed CV (including publication list, contributions to education and valorisation achievements),
• Research statement,
• Education statement, two reference letters, and
• Other information that might be relevant to your application.

Please note:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.