Postdoctoral Research Associate in Spacecraft GNC & Autonomous Optical Navigation for Asteroid Proximity Operations - Grade 7

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated individual to work within the School of Engineering, on a project funded by the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in planetary defence to protect our planet from asteroid hazards. Your role is to deliver and validate an onboard GNC software for autonomous proximity operations around minor celestial bodies. The project is named REMORA - REndezvous Mission for Orbital Reconstruction of Asteroids: a fleet of self-driven CubeSats for tracking and characterising asteroids (£1.9m). The REMORA project will lay the foundation for the development of a “space-based early warning system” of a swarm of micro satellites each to individually tag asteroids that could hit the Earth.

The post supports the award of a grant to Dr. Stefania Soldini to develop onboard GNC software for autonomous CubeSats operating in the weak gravity field of asteroids. The work is primarily computational and experimental (hardware-in-the-loop testing). You will have a PhD, (or about to obtain), in a relevant area (e.g., engineering, applied maths or physics) and have experience with GNC, autonomous navigation (e.g. optical navigation techniques and machine learning) and orbit determination. A proven track record on mission operations, trajectory optimisation and manoeuvre planning are highly required. Track record of experimental (e.g. air-bearing spacecraft simulator) work in autonomous navigation is also required. Experience with numerical and semi-analytical methods in astrodynamics and knowledge of radio science is desirable.

A PhD in space engineering, applied maths, applied physics, mechatronics, computer science or an equivalent relevant degree is required for this role.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Fixed term post for 37 months.

For full details and to apply online, please visit: recruit.liverpool.ac.uk

Advert information