Postdoc in GNSS Advanced PNT Systems in Low Earth Orbit

Join the Mathematical Geodesy and Positioning (MGP) group at TU Delft to develop next-generation GNSS advanced Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems in low Earth orbit.

Job description
We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented Postdoctoral researcher to strengthen our GNSS team within MYLE-GNSS project funded by EC-DEFIS (Defence Industry and Space). The future deployment of Positioning, Navigation and Timing systems in low Earth orbit (LEO) represents a critical milestone in the evolution of existing Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) and requires an end-to-end investigation of positioning performance, combined with a robust, multi-layer integrity analysis suitable for safety-critical applications.

In this postdoctoral position, you will focus on future LEO-PNT systems considering the end-to-end design and evaluation of performance for safety-critical domains. This includes both space segment as well as user segment aspects in an end-to-end simulator that will be developed during the MYLE-GNSS project. A key aspect of this position is close collaboration with the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR), which contributes expertise in integrity algorithms and performance assessment for target services such as the Galileo High Accuracy Service (HAS) and SBAS. This multi-layer performance analysis will also include data collection through hardware-in-the-loop test campaigns, using LEO-capable receivers from upcoming satellite constellations.

In addition, you will contribute to research on Precise Point Positioning with Ambiguity Resolution (PPP-AR), kinematic Precise Orbit Determination (POD), sensor fusion (e.g. GNSS+INS), and time synchronization. You will actively engage with major international scientific communities, including the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) and the International GNSS Service (IGS), through participation in working groups, committees, and conferences.

You will join the Geoscience and Remote Sensing Department (GRS), working closely with PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and senior staff. TU Delft provides excellent support for professional development, including training opportunities, access to world-class computational facilities, and a collaborative academic culture where curiosity and scientific excellence are highly valued.

Job requirements
We look forward to candidates who are interested in further developing their skills and independently initiating new ideas and projects, with the support of our MGP team at TU Delft. You also have:

• A PhD in geodesy, aerospace engineering, and GNSS-related fields, preferably focused on PNT systems.
• Excellent mathematical and physical background, preferably with knowledge of estimation theory (e.g. Least-squares, Kalman Filters), statistical hypothesis testing, and carrier-phase ambiguity resolution.
• Good programming skills (e.g. Python/MATLAB), with demonstrated experience and skills in GNSS data processing, including precise positioning, orbit determination, and integrity monitoring for navigation.
• Ability to work well independently, as well as in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Fluent in English (oral and written).
• Availability to start preferably in February/March 2026.

TU Delft (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 of Civil Engineering and Geosciences
The Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences (CEG) is committed to outstanding international research and education in the field of civil engineering, applied earth sciences, traffic and transport, water technology, and delta technology. Our research feeds into our educational programmes and covers societal challenges such as climate change, energy transition, resource availability, urbanisation and clean water. Our research projects are conducted in close cooperation with a wide range of research institutions.
CEG is convinced of the importance of open science and supports its scientists in integrating open science in their research practice. The Faculty of CEG comprises 28 research groups in the following seven departments: Materials Mechanics Management & Design, Engineering Structures, Geoscience and Engineering, Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Transport & Planning, Hydraulic Engineering and Water Management.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 12 months, possible extention of an additional 12 months.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. Lotfi Massarweh (L.massarweh@tudelft.nl). 

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Apply via the application button below no later than 31 January 2026 and upload:

• CV.
• Motivation letter along with 1-2 recent relevant publications.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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