Postdoctoral Research Associate

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to support the research project “Evaluation of Space Debris and Its Potential Usage for a Circular Space Economy”. The project will focus on developing optimal circular-economy pathways for end-of-life satellites and space debris, considering the best-use configuration among various alternative potential uses. Specifically, you will work on optimal circular pathway design for Space debris and on business model development around circular economy of space debris This will include:

1. Determining the value of reusing, recycling, remanufacturing of parts and materials for different applications - in-orbit servicing, in-space manufacturing, manufacturing for Space
2. Determining the optimal circular economy pathways (reuse, recycle, remanufacturing, repair etc.) for the parts and materials extracted from space objects including the timing of such interventions considering the value of the materials, costs of extraction and processing, and growth potential in future applicati ons
3. Design of an appropriate service-led business model for commercialising and enabling for-profit services around the circular economy of space debris.

The successful applicant will work alongside the project PI, Prof. Atanu Chaudhuri, and Mr. Ralph Dinsley from project partner 3S Northumbria Limited, Prof. Lenos Trigeorgis and Dr. Zsofia Toth. During the first year, it will also involve close collaboration wi th another PDRA involved in phase 1 of the 4-year project focused on assessing the content and value of materials. The PDRA role is funded by Durham University Business School’s Smart & Scale initiative, an interdisciplinary impact-driven research programme in smart and scale-up activities focusing on innovation and business development of SMEs in the North-East of England.

This post is fixed term for 24 months and may not be extendible for a further length of time.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

The post-holder will have opportunity to participate in activities organised by Durham University Space Research Centre as well as related activities organised by the Centre for Strategy, Technological Innovation and Operations (CSTIO) at Durham University Business School.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by May 2025.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

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