At the Section of Space Systems Engineering, we are offering a position at the level of Lecturer specialising in miniaturized Attitude Determination and Control (ADCS) Space Systems to be applied in CubeSats and PocketCubes (PQ). After two years and proven qualities present, a transition is possible to the level of Assistant Professor in a permanent position, contributing equally to education and research.

As Lecturer, the focus will be on the development and execution of courses in the new Space Missions minor. This new minor, a half-year program in the third year of the BSc program, is a collaboration with the University of Leiden and provides students from a wide variety of backgrounds the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of science and technology of space missions. Courses will be in the fields of Earth Observation, space exploration, satellite bus design, scientific space instrumentation, and concurrent mission and system design. For this purpose, we expect candidates with a broad background on space engineering or instrumentation, either obtained in education or in a job.

Following a successful transition to Assistant Professor, the candidate shall develop existing research further towards cutting-edge engineering solutions in close coorporation with the Dutch high-tech Space Industry. The development of advanced miniaturized ADCS systems is crucial for future remote sensing missions, laser SatCom systems and space missions for quantum encryption. These topics have a strong societal relevance which induces attractive valorisation opportunities to boost the research. The refined ADCS shall provide high precision pointing and stability for spacecraft e.g. at very low altitudes. As the Section 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 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 of Assistant Professor comprises an equal amount of education, including teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level.

The position offers the prospect of becoming an Assistant, Associate or full Professor and offers young, talented academics a clear and attractive career path. 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. 

Department
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 and operates in close cooperation with universities worldwide, research institutes and the space industry.

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has a proven background in space engineering, demonstrated by a PhD degree in Aerospace, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or Physics;
• Has an excellent publication record that demonstrates his/her research in the field of ADCS systems;
• Has an affinity with the engineering of real space systems;
• Has the capability to high-quality teaching at university level;
• Has the ability to initiate and direct research projects demonstrated by obtained external funding and supervised students;
• Has excellent communication and soft skills;
• Is an open-minded team player.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

A Lecturer position is offered for two years. Based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment, a decision will be made by the end of the second year whether to offer you a permanent faculty position as Assistant Professor.

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 (salary indication: €3746 - €5127) .

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.      

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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 250 PhD candidates and over 2,700 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.