At the Section Astrodynamics and Space missions we are offering an academic career track position at the level of assistant or associate professor specialising in Fundamental Astrodynamics. The successful candidate has a strong theoretical and demonstrated background in Astrodynamics, including the orbital dynamics of satellite systems using analytical, semi-analytical, and/or numerical methods for trajectory design and/or optimization applied to, for example, spacecraft motion about planets, planetary satellites, asteroids, comets and/or libration points. This position will have a strong educational focus (at least 50%) allowing to work intensively with our international group of MSc students. The candidate is expected to contribute to undergraduate and graduate courses and support the coordination of the MSc degree program. In addition, the candidate is expected to contribute to the research program.

• PhD degree in Astrodynamics or related research area;
• Experience in delivering high-quality teaching at BSc and MSc university levels, including demonstrated capability to define thesis topics and supervise MSc students;
• Solid numerical/coding skills;
• Publication record that demonstrates research in the field of Astrodynamics (e.g., trajectory design and optimization for Earth-bound missions or missions in our solar system);
• Experience in writing proposals for external funding;
• Active international network of contacts;
• Excellent coordination, communication and soft skills;
• Open minded and team player.

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position typically after 6-7 years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a permanent contract, the notice period in the contract is two months. 

Inspiring, excellent education is our central aim. We expect you to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff. The TU Delft offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, we offer courses to learn the Dutch language within three years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities for Assistant Professor (scale 11: € 3.974,00 - € 5.439,00 or scale 12: € 4.814,00 - € 6.181,00) and for Associate Professor (scale 13 € 5.506,00 - € 6.702,00 or scale 14: € 5.784,00 - € 7.362,00). The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

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.