PhD candidate for Digital Twins of Large Spacecraft Formations

About the SnT

SnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent.

We're looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you've come to the right place!

Your Role

The Space System Engineering (SpaSys) research group at SnT is seeking to hire a highly motivated PhD candidate for investigations in the area of large spacecraft formation flight, that is, a swarm consisting of dozens of satellites flying in proximity. You will join the Space System Engineering (SpaSys) research group, led by Prof. Andreas Hein.

The PhD position will be conducted with the HEU Marie-Skłodowska-Curie funded project GLITTER aiming to develop a novel Earth Observation method based on the GNSS-reflectometry method using formations/swarms of CubeSats. The high-resolution bi-static radar remote sensing promises obtaining unparalleled data to better understand the planet and the impact of climate change. The project enables instantaneous international exposure with top-ranked European universities and with industry.

The objective is to investigate the Digital-twin of the spacecraft formation and the ground segment with a focus on:

• Dependencies between the formation flight attitude control needs and those of other subsystems such as power, communication and Earth observation
• To-ground and inter-satellite communications link for synchronization, formation flight coordination and data transfer (different technologies such as CubeSat commercial RF, Wifi, 5G and optical systems will be considered)
• Interplay of onboard data reduction and to-ground/inter-satellite data transfer
• Transition toward Hardware-in-the-Loop system verification, through subsystem facilities available at SnT, toward prototype development
• Carry out your research with collaborators at the SnT and members of the large European GLITTER consortium
• Disseminate your findings at conferences and in journal papers
• Provide assistance in teaching and organizational matters related to GLITTER

Your Profile

• Some experience / knowledge in some of the following areas:
• Modeling and simulating spacecraft subsystems, in particular, attitude control and communications
• Space mission analysis
• Spacecraft formations/swarms
• Space systems engineering
• Hardware-in-the-loop simulation and testing
• Substantial teamworking experience, e.g. via flight projects and competitions
• Substantial international experience is desirable, e.g. via internships, Erasmus, double-degree

Qualification: The candidate should possess an MSc degree or equivalent in Engineering

Programming Skills: Experience with MATLAB/Simulink is an asset

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required

Here's what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• 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 55 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, meal vouchers and health insurance
• 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
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there's more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

How to apply

Applications, written in English should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae, including:
• Contact address
• For each degree received or currently enrolled in, provide the degree, institution name, institution city and country, and date (or expected date) of graduation.
• List of publications (authors, title, journal/conference name and date of publication). Provide a link in case of open access
• portfolio of skills and projects
• Name, affiliation and contact details of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Cover letter with motivations and topics of particular interest to you (approx. 1 page)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply 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.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL06318