PhD Scholarship 2025 in Advance Autonomous Aircraft Research at Technical University of Munich
The Chair of Astrodynamics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is inviting applications for a Ph.D. position in Dynamics, Guidance, Navigation & Control (GN&C) of Advanced Autonomous Spacecraft. This fully funded German scholarship that offers an opportunity for highly motivated candidates to engage in cutting-edge research in spaceflight mechanics and autonomous spacecraft systems.
About the Opportunity
The selected Ph.D. candidate will work on both theoretical and experimental aspects of spacecraft dynamics and control. The research will emphasize real-time attitude control, proximity maneuvering, autonomous rendezvous, in-orbit servicing, space debris removal, and formation flying.
List of Research Areas:
- Development and analysis of dynamic models and GN&C algorithms
- Real-time simulation and software architecture development
- Experimentation with hardware-in-the-loop systems
- Design and implementation of experimental test facilities
- Publishing in high-impact journals and presenting at conferences
- Mentorship of undergraduate and master’s students
- Supporting grant writing and collaborative research proposals.
Eligibility Requirements
Academic Qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Physics, or a related field with excellent academic results.
Required Knowledge & Skills:
- Strong foundation in aeronautical or spaceflight mechanics
- Expertise in control theory (linear, nonlinear, optimal control)
- Advanced mathematical and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency in MATLAB and knowledge of Python or C/C++
- Basic knowledge of robotic manipulator mechanics and control
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- Strong research motivation and ability to work independently and in teams.
Advantageous Skills:
- Previous research experience and publications in related fields
- Experience in experimental aerospace simulators (e.g., multicopters)
- Knowledge of 3D engineering software
- Proficiency in German (optional but beneficial).
Scholarship & Benefits
- Full-time, fully funded Ph.D. scholarship
- Three (03) year contract with the goal of completing a Ph.D.
- Access to a world-class research environment at one of Europe’s leading technical universities
- Opportunity to engage with international peers and leading experts in the field
- Located at TUM Ottobrunn Campus, near Munich, Germany
- Inclusive and diverse research community.
Apply: https://portal.mytum.de/jobs/wissenschaftler/NewsArticle_20250212_144437.
The last date to apply for the Ph.D. Scholarship in Dynamics, GN&C of Advanced Autonomous Spacecraft at TUM is 17 March 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. The selected candidate is expected to begin in Spring 2025 in Germany.
