Research Scientist, Aerospace Engineering

Location        AE

Organization Name        Aerospace Engineering

About University

The newly-established Khalifa University of Science and Technology  combines The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research and The Petroleum Institute into one world-class, research-intensive institution,seamlessly integrating research and education to produce world leaders and critical thinkers in applied science and engineering. Khalifa University of Science and Technology endeavors to be a leader among research intensive universities of the 21st century, while catalyzing the growth of Abu Dhabi andthe UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy.

Brief Description

To provide high quality research support and undertake internationally competitive research aimed at publication thereby contributing to the academic and research mission of the University.

Since the Postdoctoral experience is transitional to becoming an independent researcher or faculty member, the Postdoctoral tries their best to acquire the varied skills necessary to advance their career with guidance from the advisor. These skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to present research plans and findings in a convincing style, both in oral and written modes of communication, the ability to understand research group management and supervision of others, the ability to establish contacts and network with colleagues pursuing a similar research agenda, the ability to organize and teach a class or a course if more inclined towards a teaching career.

Detailed Description

Strategic Responsibilities

The successful applicant will foster the engagement of Khalifa University (KU) in areas of space mission design that are of interest to the international astrodynamics community. He/she will promote this field of research in the Country, particularly within the aerospace sector represented by the UAE Space Agency and the local industry, will stimulate the interest of a wider public towards scientific and engineering knowledge, and will contribute to the establishment of a research group in Astrodynamics at KU. The Research Scientist will support the creation and consolidation of collaborations with foreign research and academic institutions

Operational Responsibilities

The successful candidate will perform research in the context of the design of the next space missions in the neighborhood of the Earth and in interplanetary space. The investigations will focus on spacecraft trajectory design and optimization. In particular, the successful candidate will lead and/or contribute to activities and developments in following areas: design strategies within multi-body dynamics; efficient solution methods for the two-body and the perturbed Lambert’s problems; design of orbital maneuvers with impulsive and low-thrust propulsion; trajectory optimization; coupling of orbital motion with attitude dynamics.

These developments will be applied to the design of optimal maneuvers in geocentric orbit, to the design and optimization of interplanetary trajectories with multiple gravity assists and deep space maneuvers, to the design and optimization of exploration tours of the moons of the giant planets, and to the study of cooperating multi-satellite missions.

The successful applicant is expected to work independently on the assigned tasks, to collaborate with the rest of the research group, to guide graduate students in their research, to assist with preparation of research proposals, document research results in refereed journal publications and present them at conferences and to the general public.

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Research Scientist will work in close collaboration with PhD and MSc students and will help coordinate and supervise their research activities

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or equivalent

Required Experience

• Proven postdoctoral experience is required.
• Expertise in astrodynamics and celestial mechanics is a must. In particular, the successful candidate must hold proved research experience in several of the following areas: spacecraft trajectory design with gravity assist, multi-body dynamics (three-, four- and n-body problem), trajectory optimization, low-energy transfers, maneuver design, orbital propagation, orbit perturbations.
• An established, high-quality publications record in this field is required.
• Knowledge in the broader area of spacecraft and space mission design will constitute an advantage.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills are indispensable.

How To Apply

Note: You will be required to attach the following:

1. Resume/CV
2. Passport-size photograph
3. Teaching and Research Statement

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team (RecruitmentTeam@ku.ac.ae)