Future space systems will heavily rely on miniaturised satellites. These satellites may have limited capability as compared to large satellites, but can be very cost and time effective. Furthermore, when they fly together the system performance can be enhanced and, in some cases, unprecedented functionalities can be realised. An example are CubeSats, which boosted the development of very small satellites and enabled new applications such as daily update of global remote sensing observations. These applications stress the potential, in particular, of scientific opportunities using miniaturised space systems. However, the advancements of such systems require further research to optimise their capabilities at various levels.

The Section of Space Systems Engineering (SSE) is dedicated to research, development and education on the broad range of end-to-end spacecraft engineering, with focuses on miniaturized space systems and multi-satellite systems. Through the Department of Space Engineering and the TU Delft Space Institute, SSE is also in close cooperation with universities, research institutes, space companies and space agencies, for rapid in-orbit demonstrations based upon the development of highly miniaturised satellites. To further strengthen our existing research and educational activities in miniaturised space systems, we are looking for an ambitious talent at the assistant professor level. The successful candidate will work in a research area linked with any subsystem of miniaturised satellites, to further advance our multidisciplinary competence. Meanwhile, the candidate is expected to build a research portfolio to complement our existing strengths.  We especially welcome applicants who have extensive experience in mechatronics or miniaturisation at device/component level. In addition, the candidate is expected to significantly contribute to education by, for example, teaching BSc and MSc courses, tutoring laboratory experiments and group work, supervising the development of satellite subsystems/components.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a proven background in a science or engineering domain that can contribute to the development of miniaturised space systems, demonstrated by a PhD degree in a relevant discipline;
• Have an outstanding research record as demonstrated by excellent publications;
• Have passion for the engineering of real space systems (past experience with space systems is desired but not mandatory);
• Have the capability to contribute to high-quality teaching demonstrated by teaching experience at university level;
• Have passion for teaching and engaging with students;
• Have the ability to initiate and direct research projects demonstrated by obtained external funding;
• Have excellent communication and soft skills;
• Are open minded and team players;
• Have an international profile with an active international network of scientific contacts.

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8 – 1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, we expect you to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. With other Academic Career Track colleagues, you will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, where you are offered ample opportunities to develop yourself in the areas of Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track. You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12 -18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

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 as part of the Academic Career Track Development 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 salary of an Assistant Professor is based on scale 11: €4.332,00 - € 5.929,00 and, dependent upon functioning, can increase to scale 12: €5.247.00 - €6,737.00. The salary of an Associate Professor is based on scale 13: €6,002.00 - €7,305.00 and, dependent upon functioning, can increase to scale 14: €6,305.00 - €8,025.00.

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 and you can work partly from home.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service addresses the needs of new international employees and those of their partners and families. The Coming to Delft Service offers personalised assistance during the preparation of the relocation, finding housing and schools for children (if applicable). In addition, a Dual Career Programme for partners is offered. The Coming to Delft Service will do their best to help you settle in the Netherlands.

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 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 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 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 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.