The Space Instrumentation section of the Space Engineering department at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering is offering a tenure track position at the level of assistant professor. This research domain is dedicated to the development of space interferometric nulling instruments capable of directly detecting and characterizing exoplanets. At this stage, many platforms of different sizes, and different resolutions parameters are considered, from cube/smallsat to large-scale mission.

For this role you should be specialized in the field of space interferometry and in the optical design of space instruments. Knowledge in experimental polarimetry and spectroscopy is an asset. One possible application will be the implementation of nulling interferometry for exoplanet detection and characterization. As assistant professor you will be able to further develop existing research and bring in new topics related to space interferometry which have a clear societal relevance and offer attractive valorization opportunities. You will have to develop your own research, mostly experimental, in cooperation with the strategy of the section and in synergy with the Space Engineering department. You will participate and contribute to the maturation of the Space instrumentation section.

The research shall be a natural part of at least one of the two focus areas of the department: miniaturization and distributed space systems which provide 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 programs. 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

We are looking for candidates who:

Mandatory

• Have PhD in Aerospace, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or Physics
• Advanced knowledge of nulling interferometric techniques and related optical technics (optical design, performance assessment, experimental work,…)
• Have an outstanding research record as demonstrated by excellent publications;
• Have an affinity with the engineering of real space systems; Be acquainted with the space development/qualification procedures;
• Have preferably experience in 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 and an open-minded attitude;
• Have an international profile with an active international network of scientific contacts.

Nice to have

• Have the ability to do optical design on dedicated optical software, e.g., CODEV, ZEEMAX, ASAP, FRED, as well as end-to-end simulations
• Experienced in experimental laboratory work

A tenure-track position is offered for six years. In the fifth year we’ll decide if you will be offered a permanent faculty position, based on performance indicators agreed upon at the start of the appointment. We expect that you have the potential to grow towards an Associate Professor and/or Full Professor role in the future.

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.
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. 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.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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.

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 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.