Ph.D. Scholarship in Spaceflight Mechanics: The Chair of Astrodynamics at the TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technische Universität München (TUM), invites applications for a Ph.D. position in Spaceflight Mechanics of Self-Assembled Orbital Robotic Systems. This fully funded Ph.D. research opportunity focuses on investigating the fundamental and applied engineering aspects of spaceflight mechanics, as well as the Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) of self-assembled orbital robotic systems.
Ph.D. Scholarship in Spaceflight Mechanics of Self-Assembled Orbital Robotic Systems
Designation:
Ph.D. Position (m/f/d) in Spaceflight Mechanics
Research Area:
- Spaceflight Mechanics
- Orbital Robotics
- Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C)
- Autonomous Satellite Docking
- Experimental and Computational Simulations
Location:
Chair of Astrodynamics, TUM School of Engineering and Design, Technische Universität München (TUM), Ottobrunn Campus, Bavaria, Germany
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Master of Science/Engineering degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field
- Strong academic background with excellent results
- Expertise in spaceflight mechanics, mathematical modeling, and control theory
- Proficiency in MATLAB; knowledge of Python or C/C++ is desirable
- Basic knowledge of robotic manipulator mechanics and 3D engineering software
- Strong motivation, problem-solving skills, and research aptitude
- Prior experience in experimental research and publications is advantageous
- Knowledge of German is beneficial but not mandatory
- The candidate must meet the admission requirements for a Ph.D. program at TUM
Job Description:
- Conduct original research in the field of spaceflight mechanics and GN&C of self-assembled orbital robotic systems
- Develop mathematical models and control algorithms for self-assembling space systems
- Execute computational simulations and experimental tests in laboratory settings
- Publish research findings in high-impact international journals and present at conferences
- Mentor undergraduate and master’s students
- Contribute to teaching and examinations at TUM
- Participate in administrative tasks and grant writing activities
- Support collaborative proposal development for research funding
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents as a single PDF via email to positions.coa@ed.tum.de, with the subject line: “[Your Name] for PHDCOA-1”
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- CV in Europass format (including nationality/nationalities)
- List of publications
- Full bachelor and master transcripts (including grades)
- At least two letters of reference
- Any supporting documents
Last Date to Apply:
17 March 2025 (Applications will remain open until the position is filled)
For more details, visit the TUM website or contact the Chair of Astrodynamics at TUM. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in academia.
