Academic Position as Postdoctoral Researcher and Group Lead in Astronautical Engineering and Orbi...

Job Description

Chair of Astrodynamics
TUM School of Engineering and Design
Technische Universität München

Academic Position as Postdoctoral Researcher and Group Lead in Astronautical Engineering and Orbital Space Robotics (m/f/d)

About us and the position
At the Chair of Astrodynamics, we advance spaceflight science and engineering through pioneering research, from theory to experimentation and flight. Our research foci include spaceflight mechanics, orbital robotics, and systems engineering for advanced space missions.

This university-funded scientific employee position is for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher who wants to build a solid foundation for an academic or group-lead career in Astronautics and Space Engineering and aims at becoming a leader in the field. The postdoctoral associate will lead a research group, manage a laboratory, and conduct research and teaching in all focus areas of the Chair of Astrodynamics.

Main Responsibilities

1. Lead a research group of Ph.D. candidates, Master's students, and lab technicians toward collaborative research goals.
2. Lead the development and manage a state-of-the-art laboratory for spaceflight mechanics and control hardware-in-the-loop testing and advanced astrodynamics visualization.
3. Conduct original and excellence-driven research efforts in all focus areas of the Chair of Astrodynamics, integrating theoretical investigation with simulation, laboratory experimentation, and flight testing.
4. Publish research findings in reports, high-impact international journals, and present at leading conferences.
5. Mentor undergraduate, Master's students, and Ph.D. candidates.
6. Contribute to teaching and examinations for TUM students at the Chair of Astrodynamics.
7. Proactively execute and manage administrative tasks at the Chair of Astrodynamics.
8. Contribute to inventions and patent applications.
9. Initiate and lead grant writing and collaborative proposal development to obtain research funding.

Required Skills & Experience

1. A Ph.D. with excellent academic results in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related field at the time of appointment.
2. Excellent knowledge of spaceflight mechanics, control, orbital robotics, and space systems engineering.
3. Excellent mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
4. Proficiency or knowledge of English (written and spoken).
5. Proficiency or knowledge of German (written and spoken).
6. Proficiency in MATLAB, Python, C/C++, GMAT or similar, 3D modeling tools, project management tools.
7. Proven experience in space engineering research integrating simulation, lab, and flight experimentation.
8. An excellent publication record at the time of appointment.
9. Excellent interpersonal communication skills, ability to work in a team and lead a team.
10. Exceptional critical thinking, creativity, and attention to detail.
11. High self-motivation, resiliency, and persistence in overcoming research and team-leadership challenges.
12. Proficient organizational skills and project management.
13. Proven ability to formulate and systematically investigate research questions.
14. Strong passion and ability to write archival quality technical papers and documentation.
15. Capacity to work independently as well as collaboratively, and to motivate a team.
16. Commitment to research excellence and adherence to the highest ethical professional standards.

Advantageous knowledge/skills

1. Prior experience in a leading role.
2. Prior experience in research grant writing.
3. Good knowledge of the Bavarian, German, and European research ecosystem.

What we offer

1. Full-time position (100% / 40h, pay grade A13 a.Z., TV-L) with an initial 3-year contract, which in case of exceptional performance may be extended to a permanent position.
2. Engaging research in a welcoming international team, highly motivated to shape the future of Space.
3. Stimulating working environment at one of the top technical universities in Europe.
4. An academic ecosystem fostering entrepreneurial initiatives and the possible creation of spin-off startups.
5. A large network of peers in the international space business and academia.
6. The position is based at the TUM Ottobrunn Campus in the vicinity of Munich, Bavaria, Germany.

We value diversity, equity, and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. We are dedicated to offering an inclusive research environment and encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, including individuals with disabilities. The position is suitable for persons with disabilities.

Application
Interested candidates should send their application (including motivation letter (max. 1 page), CV in Europass format, list of publications, university transcripts with grades, at least three letters of reference, copy of three journal papers, copy of diplomas or other supporting documents) via email: positions.coa@ed.tum.de (Important: Please attach a single PDF and use the subject: "(your name) for GROUPLEAD-COA"). The deadline for the application is: 31 March 2025 (the position will remain open until filled). The aim is for the position to start in late Spring 2025.

We look forward to your application!

Technische Universität München
TUM School of Engineering and Design
Chair of Astrodynamics
Prof. Dr. Marcello Romano
Lise-Meitner-Str. 9, 85521 Ottobrunn

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