DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (3) – Future solar-wind propulsion concepts

Technische Universitaet Dresden; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institution in Germany is seeking a Research Associate/PhD Student to explore solar-wind propulsion technologies. The successful candidate will undertake innovative research and develop new methodologies in aerospace engineering. This full-time position offers a competitive salary according to MSCA regulations and opportunities for international collaboration. Applications are encouraged from candidates with a Master's degree in a relevant field and proven skills in plasma propulsion. The role is expected to start on May 1, 2026.

Leistungen

Competitive salary

International collaboration

Support for conferences and research funding

Qualifikationen

• University degree in a relevant field is mandatory.
• Experience with plasma propulsion techniques.
• Ability to work independently on complex problems.

Aufgaben

• Conduct innovative research on solar-wind propulsion concepts.
• Carry out literature reviews and experimental designs.
• Communicate results effectively in written English.

Kenntnisse

Solid knowledge in plasma propulsion

Excellent command of English

Ausbildung

Master's degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related field

Jobbeschreibung

Institute of Aerospace Engineering, the Chair of Space Systems

Technische Universitaet Dresden Department Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Chair of Space Systems

Offer Description

TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in Germany. Diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution.

At the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Institute of Aerospace Engineering, the Chair of Space Systems offers a full-time position as

Research Associate / PhD Student (m/f/x)
E-Sailors - Electric solar wind Sail doctors
(salary according to MSCA regulation)

starting May 1, 2026.

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE grant agreement no 101227277.

Research areas: DC3: Future solar-wind propulsion concepts
Terms: The position is limited to 36 months. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz – WissZeitVG).
Supervisory team: Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Martin Tajmar, Co-Supervisor: Dr. Pekka Janhunen
Secondment: 2 months at FMI in Finland

About E-Sailors: The Electric solar wind Sail doctors (E-Sailors) is a challenge-based Doctoral Network that aims to bring Electric solar wind sail (E-sail) from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) demonstration missions to the operational environment of the solar wind. It is delivered by 8 universities in cooperation with FMI, where E-sail was invented, and 4 companies.

E-sail is a highly innovative and potentially disruptive propellantless propulsion system. An operational E-sail consists of hair-thin and kilometers-long wires, or tethers, which are charged at a high voltage creating an electrostatic sheath (electric sail) which deflects solar wind particles and generates the propulsive effect in interplanetary environment. Successful and rapid development and deployment of the technology will ensure EU's leadership in the exploration and exploitation of deep space, the next commercial space frontier.

The program is designed to achieve the following training objectives for our doctoral candidates: 1) Equip them with core scientific skills and specialized knowledge in designing experiments for demonstrating space technologies and developing space missions; 2) Provide them with a wide range of transferrable skills, such as Open Science and FAIR, communicating science to public, advocacy, networking etc.; 3) Develop their business and entrepreneurship skills, such as IPR management, preliminary business planning, pitching to investors, starting start-ups.

Project description: This position dubbed “E-Sailor 3” will be responsible for exploring future solar-wind propulsion concepts apart from the classical E-sail.

First, the DC has to map, make a thorough review and analyze solar-wind propulsion technologies, such as the Dipole Drive (a large electrohydrodynamic-related concept proposed by Robert Zubrin) or the solar-wind ion focusing thruster. Starting from first-principles and mathematical models, more advanced numerical tools shall be developed to explore the potential of these concepts.

Once a promising concept has been identified, the DC shall try to build (sub-scale) and test models and prototypes that allow an eventual characterization and to validate at least aspects of the mathematical/numerical tools to gain confidence.

As a last step, the potential application of these advanced concepts shall be further explored and applied to future science missions where it can be benchmarked against the present state-of-the art.

Tasks:

• Undertake innovative and independent research in terms of developing new concepts or improving existing methodologies.
• Carry out literature review, hypothesis development, and experimental design.
• Adapt, develop and learn new tools, software, and methodologies independently.
• Present and publish research in both academic and non-academic audiences. Attend and participate in academic and non-academic conferences, events and seminars.
• Communicate results in professional written English thorough reports and publications.
• Work independently while effectively communicating progress and challenges.
• Work in international teams and on interdisciplinary problems, while also identify and address technical challenges independently.
• Stay current with the relevant literature and technologies.
• Actively contribute to the public engagement and outreach activities of the project.
• The above job descriptions are not exhaustive, the PhD candidate may be required to undertake other tasks, which are broadly in line with the above duties and responsibilities.

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field Engineering » Aerospace engineering Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• university degree (e.g. Master) in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics or related field. Copies of bachelor's and master's diplomas and academic transcripts/diploma supplements (with translations, if applicable).
• Solid knowledge in some form of plasma propulsion.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. Proof of English language proficiency.

Specific Requirements

• The primary workplace will be in Dresden, Germany. Therefore, candidates from outside the EU must be eligible to obtain a visa. The position is expected to start in the first half of 2026.
• Residency history of last 36 months and main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organisation of last 36 months.
• As secondments and events are foreseen, applicants must be ready to travel.
• A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance.
• Covered tuition costs, research costs and funding for short term mobility (i.e. conference attendance).
• Interdisciplinary and international research projects.

TUD strives to employ more women in academia and research. We therefore expressly encourage women to apply. The University is a certified family-friendly university. We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities. If multiple candidates prove to be equally qualified, those with disabilities or with equivalent status pursuant to the German Social Code IX (SGB IX) will receive priority for employment.

Eligibility criteria

• The applicant must have a university degree (MSc degree or equivalent).
• The applicant must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.
• MSCA Mobility Rule: At the time of recruitment, the researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered.

Applicants who do not fulfill the Mobility Rule and the Eligibility Criteria CANNOT be considered for the research position.

Applicants can be of any nationality within laws of EU to enter the EU countries.

Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot receive an employment contract before having obtained the master’s degree.

Candidates may apply to multiple positions offered within E-Sailors, but should carefully choose the ones that they apply for.

Selection process

• Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and suitability based on the criteria listed for each position.
• After shortlisting, candidates will be invited for online interviews with the respective recruitment committees.
• The recruiting institution will send out notification of the selection outcome after the online interview.

-Motivation letter – explaining the following topics:

• Research experience and independent work experience evident through technical projects, theses, publications, or technical reports.
• Experience in managing multiple concurrent tasks and priorities independently and track record of meeting project deadlines and delivering results without constant supervision.
• Proven ability to work autonomously on complex technical problems and demonstrated problemsolving skills in technical/engineering contexts.
• Leadership experience in terms of leading or significantly contributing to multi-month technical projects and taking initiative in research or development activities.
• Experience working with interdisciplinary and international teams while maintaining individual accountability, such as driving projects forward without extensive guidance.
• Example of at least one practical project completed within the deadline with minimal supervision, and evidence of self-motivation and proactive problem-solving. Please submit description of personal contributions and level of independence, project outcomes and impact, and references in terms of publications, theses, technical reports, simulations, code samples, or documentation (multiple references are considered beneficial).
• An evidence-based CV that reflects a representative array of achievements and qualifications appropriate to the position you are applying for.
• Reference letters or, at minimum, the contact details of persons that may be contacted for reference.
• Educational and professional certificates (university degree(s) with marks, internships, workshops, languages, etc.).
• Copy of passport.

Moreover, you must submit in a separate e-mail:
-Short video (maximum 30 seconds, not longer). The video must include: personal introduction, background and your motivation to apply to the research position.

Please submit your application as stated above by January 31, 2026 quoting the reference “Application for DC3 position” (time stamp on the email server of TUD applies), preferably via the TUD SecureMail Portal https://securemail.tu-dresden.de by sending it as a single pdf file to [e-mail].

Applications and enclosures received after the deadline will not be considered.

The email size of each e-mail incl. attachments must not exceed 10 MB in total. You will receive an automatic reply if we have received your email. Please avoid any questions on the status of the selection process. We will inform you as soon as there is an update. Candidates whose application is not compliant with the requirements above will not be considered.