Assistant Professor of Space Systems and Technology

Challenge: Developing novel approaches for space systems.

Change: Making space systems more affordable and powerful.

Impact: Meeting rapidly growing societal demands for space systems.

Job description

Space systems are indispensible in today's world due to their diverse applications, such as communications, remote sensing, navigation, and scientific research. To meet future societal demands, these systems need to become more affordable and powerful. Technology that enables further miniaturisation of space systems as well as multi-satellite systems that provide increased spatial and temporal coverage or resolution are important examples, of how those future demands can be met.

You will develop your vision and your own research line for space systems and their technologies in areas such as Guidance, Navigation and Control to enhance the performance of miniaturized single or multiple 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 be 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 Engineering Systems. We are committed to an open and cooperative work enviroment. 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.

Requirements

•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 a passion for end-to-end technology development, aiming to demonstrate your research in space.

•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.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

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.

Conditions of employment

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.

Additional information

For information about the application procedure, please contact Dr. Alessandra Menucucci,  - email: a.menicucci@tudelft.nl or by phone:  (+)31-15-27-87401. The targeted position start date is June 1, 2025.

Application procedure

Are you our new Assistant Professor in Space Systems and Technology? Please apply no later than 16 December 2024. Click 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.

A pre-employment screening will be part of the selection process. In addition, you will be required to apply for an exemption from the knowledge embargo for specific research and educational areas. This exemption is to be obtained from the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) prior to the conclusion of an employment agreement.