University of the Bundeswehr Munich

The candidates will join the Junior Research Group (since 2023, project lead: Xuanyu Hu) funded by the Emmy Noether-Programm of the German Research Foundation. The group is hosted by the Faculty of Space Engineering at the Institute of Space Technology & Space Applications (ISTA). Funding for the position is available for a nominal duration of three years, assuming a full commitment of 75 % working time. Employment can also be arranged as part-time, at 50% for instance, when desired.

The prospective research will be devoted to spacecraft orbit determination (OD) and gravity field estimation of small, extraterrestrial bodies. The main focus is on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the rendezvous target of the Rosetta mission. 67P presents an intriguing and especially challenging case due to its weak gravitation and the complex dynamical environment in the presence of cometary activity. The research aims to clarify and disentangle the nongravitational effects on spacecraft motion in order to improve/optimize the force models in the OD and gravity field solutions for the bilobed nucleus.

The candidates join a vibrant, embracing community and contributes to a diverse research spectrum on site. The work relies on regular, close interactions with an interdisciplinary, international team of collaborators, whose expertise covers Astrodynamics, Cometary Science, and Geodesy.

The desired starting date will be in February 2025; later commencement can be negotiated.

Topics

• Modeling of nongravitational perturbations due to gas/dust comae around 67P on Rosetta orbiter
• Assessment of the impact of nongravitational forcing on spacecraft orbit determination and gravity field estimation of 67P
• Development and implementation of suitable gravity field models for the irregular-shaped nucleus
• Investigating the interior structure of 67P

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or equivalent, by the starting date in a(ny) relevant specialty, such as Aerospace Engineering, Astronomy, Geodesy, Physics, Mathematics, etc.
• Knowledge of spacecraft/satellite orbital dynamics and/or celestial mechanics, as evidenced by acquired course credit and/or completed research project(s), or the background/potential to acquire such
• Command of (at least) one standard programming/computing language, for example, Matlab, Python, C++, etc.; familiarity or experience with C++ or Fortran would be an asset
• Working proficiency of English in speaking and writing

The University of the Bundeswehr Munich is firmly anchored in the national and international research landscape. As a campus university with excellent facilities, it offers the best conditions for high-quality teaching and research:

• Versatile and practice-oriented scientific projects in an excellent research infrastructure
• Creative freedom in research in a dynamic and international team
• University campus with a very good infrastructure, in-house crèche and kindergarten (parents’ initiative), a family service center with advice and support for university members to help them reconcile family, care and work, as well as excellent sports facilities
• Flexible working hours and possibility of Home-office or mobile working after consultation with the prospective employer

The University aims to increase the proportion of female scientists and employees; applications from women are expressly welcomed. Persons with disabilities will be given special consideration if equally qualified.

The application should include: 1) letter of interest (1 page max.); 2) CV; 3) copy of Master’s degree; 4) if applicable, list of publication. Please submit the application material, or any inquiry, to xuanyu.hu@unibw.de

Application submitted by the 15th of November, 2024 will receive full consideration.