At the Section of Space Systems Engineering, we are offering two tenure-track positions at the level of Assistant Professor specialising in Distributed Space Systems (DSS). The Assistant Professor will be able to develop existing research further and to bring in new topics within DSS which have a clear societal relevance and offer attractive valorisation opportunities. This can be, for example, Intersatellite Laser Communications or Distributed Instruments. As the Section also is developing highly miniaturized satellites, this provides the opportunity to integrate novel research in real space missions and closely interact with a team of researchers, engineers and students. The research will allow us to strengthen and extend relationships with industry, knowledge institutes and agencies. The quality of research will be competitive on the level of European research programmes. In addition to research, the position comprises an equal amount of education, including teaching at the undergraduate and graduate levels and supervising MSc and PhD students. Rank and salary are commensurate with qualifications and professional experience.

A Tenure Track, a process leading up to a permanent appointment with the prospect of becoming an Associate or full Professor, offers young, talented academics a clear and attractive career path. During the Tenure Track, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop into an internationally acknowledged and recognised academic. We offer a structured career and personal development programme designed to offer individual academics as much support as possible. For more information about the Tenure Track and the personal development programme, please visit www.tudelft.nl/tenuretrack.      

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a proven background in space engineering demonstrated by a PhD degree in Aerospace, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or Physics;
• Have a publication record that demonstrates their research in the field of Distributed Space Systems;
• Have an outstanding research record as demonstrated by excellent publications;
• Have the affinity with the engineering of real space systems;
• Have the capability to high-quality teaching at university level;
• Have the ability to initiate and direct research projects demonstrated by obtained external funding and supervised students;
• Have excellent communication and soft skills;
• Are open minded and team players; 
• Have an international profile with an active international network of scientific contacts. 

Fixed-term contract: 6 years.

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. Based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment, a decision will be made by the fifth year whether to offer you a permanent faculty position. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft sets specific standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. If you have less than five years of experience and do not yet have your teaching certificate, we allow you up to three years to obtain this.    

Technische Universiteit Delft

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world's largest faculties devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. In the Netherlands it is the only research and education institute directly related to the aerospace engineering sector. It covers the whole spectrum of aerospace engineering subjects. In aeronautics, the faculty covers subjects ranging from aerodynamics and flight propulsion to structures and materials and from control and simulation to air transport and operations. In astronautics, topics include astrodynamics, space missions and space systems engineering. The faculty has around 2700. BSc and MSc students, more than 225 PhD candidates and 27 full professors supported by scientific staff. The faculty’s mission is to be the best aerospace engineering faculty in the world that inspires students, staff and society with ambitious research and modern education of the highest quality for the future of aerospace. The working atmosphere at the faculty is friendly, open-minded and dedicated.

The mission of the Department of Space Engineering is to educate and research to advance the frontiers of space systems and missions, spaceflight and planetary science for the benefit of society. The department consists of two research groups: Astrodynamics and Space Missions, and Space Systems Engineering. It runs an integrated research programme comprising miniaturisation, distributed space systems, mission analysis and orbits, and planetary exploration. The department operates a cleanroom facility for the design, integration, and verification of assemblies up to entire satellites. It is an active member of the TU Delft Space Institute.

The Section of Space Systems Engineering (SSE) is dedicated to the broad range of end-to-end spacecraft engineering. Innovative space technology is developed and used for a rapid in-orbit demonstration based upon the development of highly miniaturised satellites. The research focus is on miniaturisation and Distributed Space Systems. The chair operates in close cooperation with other research groups of the TU Delft Space Institute, universities worldwide, research institutes, and the space industry.