Academic Position as Postdoctoral Researcher and Group Lead in Astronautical Engineering and Orbi...

Job Description

Chair of AstrodynamicsTUM School of Engineering and DesignTechnische Universität MünchenTUM - LogoThe Chair of Astrodynamics is offering aAcademic Position as Postdoctoral Researcher and Group Lead in Astronautical Engineering and Orbital Space Robotics (m/f/d)About us and the positionAt the Chair of Astrodynamics, we advance spaceflight science and engineering through pioneering research, from theory, to experimentation and flight. Our research foci include spaceflight mechanics, orbital robotics and systems engineering for advanced space missions.This university-funded scientific employee position is for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher that wants to build up the solid foundation of an academic or group-lead career in Astronautics and Space Engineering, and aims at becoming a leader in the field. The postdoctoral associate will lead a research group, manage a laboratory, and conduct research and teaching in all focus areas of the Chair of Astrodynamics.

Those include spaceflight mechanics, with a primary focus on the rotational and orbital maneuvering of artificial satellites, autonomous guidance, navigation, & control, the engineering of advanced space systems and missions, and orbital robotics for in-space servicing, assembly, and debris removal. Broader research interests extend to entrepreneurial innovation, technology transfer, and space-enabled sustainability. The research philosophy at the Chair of Astrodynamics integrates theoretical investigation with simulation, laboratory experimentation, and flight testing.search methodologies utilizing advanced methods.

Our research is inherently interdisciplinary, fostering collaboration with the fields of information systems, innovation management, and psychology.Your main ResponsibilitiesLead a research group of Ph.D. candidates, Master's students and lab technician toward collaborative research goalsLead the development and manage a state-of-the-art laboratory for spaceflight mechanics and control hardware-in-theloop testing and advanced astrodynamics visualizationConduct original and excellence-driven research efforts in all focus areas of the Chair of Astrodynamics, integrating theoretical investigation with simulation, laboratory experimentation, and flight testingPublish research findings in reports, high-impact international journals, and present at leading conferencesMentor undergraduate, Master's students and Ph.D. candidatesContinue to develop expertise and stay current with advancements in the Chair's research areasContribute to teaching and examinations for TUM students at the Chair of AstrodynamicsProactively execute and manage administrative tasks at the Chair of AstrodynamicsContribute to inventions and patent applicationsInitiate and lead grant writing and collaborative proposal development to obtain research fundingRequired Skills & ExperienceA Ph.D.

with excellent academic results in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field at the time of appointmentRequired knowledgeExcellent knowledge of spaceflight mechanics, control, orbital robotics, and space systems engineeringExcellent mathematical, analytical and problem-solving skillsProficiency or knowledge of English (written and spoken)Proficiency or knowledge of German (written and spoken)Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, GMAT or similar, 3D modeling tools, project management toolsProven experience in space engineering research integrating simulation, lab and flight experimentationAn excellent publication record at the time of appointmentRequired skillsExcellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to work in a team and ability to lead a teamExceptional critical thinking, creativity and attention to detailsHigh self-motivation, resiliency and persistence in overcoming research and team-leadership challengesProficient organizational skills, and project managementProven ability to formulate and systematically investigate research questionsStrong passion and ability to write archival quality technical papers and documentationCapacity to work independently as well as collaboratively, and to motivate a teamCommitment to research excellence and adherence to the highest ethical professional standardsAdvantageous knowledge/skillsPrior experience in a leading rolePrior experience of research grant writingGood knowledge of the Bavarian, German and European research ecosystem.What we offerFull-time position (100% / 40h, pay grade A13 a.Z., TV-L) with an initial 3-year contract, which in case of exceptional performance may be extended to a permanent positionEngaging research in a welcoming international team, highly motivated to shape the future of SpaceStimulating working environment at one of the top technical universities in EuropeAn academic ecosystem fostering entrepreneurial initiatives and the possible creation of spin-off startupsA large network of peers in the international space business and academiaThe position is based at the TUM Ottobrunn Campus in the vicinity of Munich, Bavaria, GermanyWe value diversity, equity, and and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. We are dedicated to offering an inclusive research environment and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, including individuals with disabilities. The position is suitable for persons with disabilities.ApplicationInterested candidates should send their application (including motivation letter (max.

1 page), CV in Europass format, also listing /, list of publications, university transcripts with grades, at least three letters of reference, copy of three journal papers, copy of diplomas or other supporting documents) via email: positions.coa@ed.tum.de (Important: Please attach a single PDF and use the subject: "(your name) for GROUPLEAD-COA"). The deadline for the application is: 31 March 2025 (the position will remain open until filled). The aim is for the position to start in late Spring 2025.

We look forward to your application!Technische Universität MünchenTUM School of Engineering andDesign Chair of AstrodynamicsProf. Dr. Marcello RomanoLise-Meitner-Str.

9, 85521 OttobrunnData Protection Information:As part of your application, you provide personal data to the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Please view our privacy policy on collecting and processing personal data in the course of the application process pursuant to Art. 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation of the European Union (GDPR) at https://portal.mytum.de/kompass/datenschutz/Bewerbung/.

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