Research Associate (Postdoc) in Control of Satellite Formations and Space Systems

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) invites applications from PhD holders in the general area of control engineering for satellites and space systems within its Automation & Robotics Research Group (ARG). SnT is carrying out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services, often in collaboration with industrial, governmental or international partners. For further information you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu

The SnT Automation & Robotics Research Group is a strong and motivated research team led by Prof. Holger Voos. The group focuses on perception and control for autonomous vehicles and robots, including unmanned aerial vehicles, service robots, satellites and spacecraft or automated and autonomous cars. Herein, solutions are developed that combine conventional control approaches with methods from artificial intelligence or machine learning, please see also: http://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/automation_robotics_research_group

Your Role...

The successful candidate will contribute to new control solutions for satellites and space systems with a main focus on a national research project in collaboration with LuxSpace Sàrl (https://www.luxspace.lu/), a member of the network of OHB companies. This project aims at the development of novel sensing and control approaches to enable a higher degree of autonomy for microsatellites in constellations and for the distributed control of autonomous formation flight of microsatellites. Together with LuxSpace, the research results will be implemented in a development tool and tested using suitable multi-satellite test scenarios. In addition, the candidate will also be involved in other research projects related to the control of spacecraft and space robots. In general, the candidate is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the national project “AuFoSat - Development Tool for Autonomous Constellation and Formation Control of Microsatellites” in close collaboration with the partner LuxSpace. Further information about the project is available at: http://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/automation_robotics_research_group
• Carry out research in the areas of sensing and control for satellites, spacecraft and space robots, especially using model predictive control, distributed and networked control as well as intelligent control (incl. machine learning and AI)
• Coordinating research projects and preparing project deliverables
• Disseminating results through scientific publications and conferences
• Preparing new research proposals to attract industrial, national and European projects
• Providing assistance in the supervision of PhD students

Your Profile...

• A PhD degree in Space or Aerospace Engineering, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a closely related field, with a main focus on Control Engineering for Space Systems.
• At least 3 published journal papers in top 10% international journals of the field, and/or a strong experimentation background and experience of working in industries or university laboratories
• Sound publication track-record in one or some of the following areas: control of satellites, spacecraft or space robots (especially model predictive, nonlinear, distributed and/or stochastic control), optimization and machine learning, observer design and estimation, modelling of space systems.
• Development skills in MATLAB/Simulink and C / C++ and Python. Additional experience with STK (Systems Tool Kit) or similar tools would be an asset.
• Highly committed, excellent team-worker, and strong critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
• Experience in management of research projects is a plus

Here’s what awaits you at SnT...

• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

Find out more about us!

In Short...

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month (extendable up to 60 months in total)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Job Reference: UOL05150

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 77167 (full time)

How to apply...

Applications should include:

• Full Curriculum Vitae (including your contact address, work experience, publications)
• Cover letter indicating the research area of interest and your motivation
• A research statement (max 1 page)
• Contact information for 3 referees

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

About the University of Luxembourg...

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

Further information

For further information, please contact us at holger.voos@uni.lu