Advance planetary mission radio science with Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment (PRIDE) Doppler/VLBI data: open-source analyses in orbit estimation and ephemeris improvement.Job descriptionWe are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to strengthen the scientific exploitation of PRIDE (Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment) observations by developing and applying open, reproducible analysis pipelines for deep-space mission tracking. You will be embedded in the PRIDE collaboration and contribute directly to enhancing the scientific return of past, current, and upcoming planetary missions, including the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE).
A core element of the position is the use and extension of the TU Delft Astrodynamics Toolbox (Tudat) open-source astrodynamics toolbox for state estimation and orbit/parameter determination, enabling rigorous fusion of PRIDE observables with conventional radiometric tracking data. Your work will bridge radio data analysis, planetary science, and software development, and will directly contribute to improving the accuracy, traceability, and accessibility of advanced orbit determination methods for the broader community.
Key responsibilities
- Process, calibrate, and characterize PRIDE open-loop Doppler and phase-referenced VLBI observables.
- Implement, validate, and document workflows to integrate PRIDE data into least-squares orbit determination and parameter estimation using Tudat, with an emphasis on transparency and reproducibility.
- Analyze combinations of PRIDE and classical radio science data to missions such as Mars Express, Venus Express, Juno, and JUICE, aiming to improve reconstructed spacecraft trajectories and enable higher-quality science products.
- Contribute to extending Tudat’s capabilities for PRIDE-relevant use cases (e.g., tracking observable handling, interfaces, estimation settings, and automated validation).
- Deliver high-quality, FAIR research outputs: curated datasets, clear documentation, peer-reviewed publications, and open-source software that can be reused by both the PRIDE collaboration and the wider astrodynamics and radio-science communities.
Job requirements - A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy or similar.
- Strong software engineering skills in Python.
- Strong background and research experience in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods.
- Experience in usage of PRIDE data is a strong plus. Experience in usage of radio science data is a plus.
- Experience in the usage and development of Tudat is a strong plus. Experience in usage and development of Tudat or a similar tool is required.
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, open-source environment. .
TU DelftDelft 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 EngineeringThe Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges. Our support and scientific staff, including PhD candidates, postdocs, and students, largely work together on three main themes: the energy transition, sustainable aerospace, and safety and security, with the aim of tackling climate change and contributing to the independence and security of Europe.
When you join us, you become part of a diverse, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment where your ideas and perspectives are valued. Our work extends beyond the lab—into field labs, innovation hubs, and partnerships with other faculties, research institutes, governments, and industry, both locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace, assisted by an
active Diversity & Inclusion team. This includes tangible support such as funding for extra personnel for family and caregiving responsibilities, mentoring programmes, and initiatives that promote cultural exchange and integration.
You don’t just join our faculty — you join a community where you can thrive, grow, and help shape the future of aerospace.
Click
here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.
Conditions of employment Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit,
Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A
Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional informationIf you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dominic Dirkx, via
d.dirkx@tudelft.nl.
Application procedureAre you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than
6 February 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
You can address your application to Dominic Dirkx.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the
Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.Please note: - You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
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- Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
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