Design of asynchronous sun sensors for attitude control of space navigation systems (# of pos: 2)

We offer one predoctoral and one postdoctoral position in the Institute of Microelectronics of Seville (Spain). The candidate will be involved in a research project in collaboration with two international companies (SolarMeMs and ALTER). The project's goal is to design asynchronous sun sensors for attitude control of space navigation systems.

Sun sensors are devices that gauge the sun's position to control the attitude of navigation systems in outer space. Conventional digital ones are built with frame-based image sensors. Their main limitation is that redundant data associated with non-illuminated pixels have to be read to determine the sun's position. The host group (TIC-179) in the Microelectronics Institute of Seville has patented and developed two prototypes of sun sensors that overcome the art in terms of speed, power consumption, and simplicity. They have an asynchronous event-based operation and only the illuminated pixels generate output data. Based on that expertise, two research projects have been defined to develop improved versions of these sensors in collaboration with SolarMeMs and Alter. The projects seek to increase the TRL (Technical Readiness Level) of the existing prototypes to be able to embark on and commercialize them.

The candidate will design at the microelectronics level a new sensor architecture with pixels tolerant to space radiation. The sensor will be assembled in the Microelectronics of Seville. Frequent interaction with the two companies is expected. The experimental characterization of the sensors will be done in collaboration with the project participants.

What we offer: We offer an initial 1-year position that can be extended to three extra years. The gross salary is roughly 33,000 € per year. Social security and health insurance are covered. For predoctoral candidates, the position is within the scope of a Ph.D. thesis under the supervision of the project coordinators at the University of Seville. Once the Ph.D. is completed, candidates could join other projects in the host group.

We seek motivated and hard-worked candidates with an interest in microelectronics design. Candidates must have a master's degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering. Previous expertise in analog and/or digital circuit design is a plus. Expertise in the design of image sensors will be rewarded.

Interested candidates must contact with by Email with the project coordinator ([email protected] ). Please, include your CV and a cover letter stating your interest in the position and how it is related to your expertise.