Junior Researcher for an Assessment of Space-Based Solar Radiation Management Demonstrator

Make a leading contribution to a new project on space-based climate engineering, working with Dr Onur Çelik in collaboration with project partners University of Glasgow and AAC Clyde Space

Job description 

This is an exciting opportunity to join a project supported by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), working collaboratively with project partners at University of Glasgow and AAC Clyde Space. The successful candidate will take part in a space-based climate engineering design study to assess the requirements for a low cost, small-scale sunshade technology demonstration mission in Earth orbit.

The successful candidate will be required undertake a broad range of tasks including modelling shading pattern for an Earth-orbiting sunshade, measurement and data analysis strategies to extract amount of shading that drives space mission requirements and determines the size of sunshade.

The successful candidate will also be required to work closely with the project partners to ensure integration of research activity into the wider project to deliver its top-level goals. Our partners at University of Glasgow will perform spacecraft design tasks, including orbit simulations, pointing strategy and preliminary spacecraft sizing, while AAC Clyde Space will provide an industrial assessment of the mission concept.

The successful candidates will join Astrodynamics and Space Missions Section at Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, where the group tackles problems related to space mission analysis, navigation and processing of mission data and involved in several leading international space missions. There are ample opportunities for academic/professional growth at a leading aerospace organisation.

The successful candidate is expected to start as soon as possible, to be confirmed during appointment. The post is available from 1 December until 30 November 2026.

Job requirements 

Candidates should have a successful record of research accomplishment in space technology with some experience of space mission analysis and design:

• Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering
• Strong background in physics, mathematics, data analysis and strong analytical skills.
• Strong background in coding, e.g., MATLAB and/or Python
• Ability to learn independently and passion for research
• Strong communication skills in English
• Team player, open to discussion and constructive criticism
• Previous involvement in scientific research

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 

• Duration of contract is 1 year Temporary
• A job of 36-40 hours per week. 
• A salary based on Scale 08 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3382 - €4484 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Onur Çelik, via o.celik-1@tudelft.nl.

 

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 17 November 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter that describes your motivation on how you fit into this position

You can address your application to Dr. Onur Çelik. You may be asked to provide contact details for references at a later stage in the process.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• 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.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.