Stockholm University

MSCA Doctoral Network position “Electric solar wind sail mission design” We are now looking for two (2) Doctoral Researchers. This PhD topic is part of the “Electric solar wind sail doctors” (E-Sailors) network, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network Programme. The E-Sailors network is designed to train the next generation of Electric solar wind sail (E-sail) scientists, developers and advocates. This particular Doctoral Researcher (DR) will work with in-orbit results of on-going missions, such as Foresail-1 p developed by Aalto University with the E-sail payload from the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), as well as the DR will develop new and improved in-orbit E-sail experiments for future missions in lunar orbit and deep space. The DR will be enrolled at and hosted by Aalto University, Finland, with the main supervisor Jaan Praks, co-hosted by the FMI with the E-sail researcher Dr. Petri Toivanen. Research field: Space technology, payload development Supervisor: Jaan Praks Offered by: Aalto University, School of Electrical Engineering General description of programme and host 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 kilometres-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 programme is designed to achieve the following training objectives for our doctoral researchers: Equip them with core scientific skills and specialised knowledge in designing experiments for demonstrating space technologies and developing space missions; Provide them with a wide range of transferrable skills, such as Open Science and FAIR, communicating science to public, advocacy, networking etc.; Develop their business and entrepreneurship skills, such as IPR management, preliminary business planning, pitching to investors, starting start-ups. Aalto University is a leading Finnish university combining science, technology, design, and business to foster innovation and multidisciplinary research. The Aalto Space Lab is a comprehensive facility dedicated to the development, integration, and qualification of small satellites and space payloads. The laboratory features an advanced electronics development environment equipped for precision soldering, calibration, functional testing, and sensor characterization. A dedicated cleanroom area supports the assembly and integration of flight hardware, ensuring high reliability and adherence to space standards. Adjacent to the electronics lab, the Space Technology Testing Laboratory provides an advanced thermal–vacuum facility that enables environmental testing of complete satellites and subsystems under simulated space conditions. This includes vacuum, thermal cycling, thermal balance, and outgassing testing, essential for qualifying hardware for launch and orbital operation. The Space Lab also offers access to a wide suite of engineering and simulation software for electronics design, spacecraft systems modelling, structural and thermal analysis, and mission performance verification. Together, these resources support the full development cycle—from early concept design and prototyping to environmental qualification and flight readiness. The Aalto Space Lab serves as a key hub for small satellite and payload research, education, and technology demonstration, supporting academic projects, collaborative research initiatives, and industrial partnerships that advance Finland’s growing role in space technology. Description of specific PhD project Please indicate in your cover letter which of the two positions you are primarily interested in. Position 1: The E-Sailor 8 The E-Sailor 8 doctoral position focuses on developing advanced methods for E-sail tether deployment monitoring and safety, combining simulation, laboratory testing, and in-orbit validation. The candidate will create dynamical and photorealistic 3D models of the tether and spacecraft to support both engineering analysis and visual monitoring during deployment, working in coordination with the RT3D development led by E-Sailor 15. The research includes conducting laboratory and in-orbit experiments using data from the Foresail-1p mission, analysing tether dynamics, imaging, and operational behaviour. Based on these results, the doctoral researcher will propose and evaluate new deployment schemes and safety strategies, contributing to the reliability of future E-sail missions. The work will result in models and validated methods shared with the wider community to support ongoing and upcoming E-sail technology developments. Duration of the work contract and place of employment: The position is based at Aalto University (24 months) with collaboration at CrystalSpace (CS) (12 months), under the supervision of Jaan Praks (Aalto) and Jaan Viru (CS). Position 2: The E-Sailor 4 The E-Sailor 4 doctoral position focuses on the design and engineering of an electric sail (E-sail) payload system for nanospacecraft, with a particular emphasis on developing the payload for the ESTCube-LuNa mission. Building on previous demonstrations such as ESTCube-1, ESTCube-2, and Foresail-1p, the project aims to apply lessons learned to create a more capable and reliable E-sail payload. The work involves analysing previous mission data, defining requirements for new payloads, and designing the mechanical, electrical, and deployment subsystems for ESTCube-LuNa. E-Sailor 4 will also lead the development and testing of a prototype payload, performing functional and environmental tests to verify its performance and requirements for spacecraft integration. The research will result in three main publications covering lessons learned, design development, and prototype testing. In the final project phase, the doctoral researcher will spend 6 months at Spacecraft Anatomy (SA) to gain industrial experience in space hardware manufacturing and qualification. The project will deliver a E-sail payload prototype design and strengthen the technological foundation for future nanospacecraft missions using E-sail propulsion. Duration of the work contract and place of employment: The main supervisor of the DR at Aalto University, Finland (15 months) is Assoc. Prof. Jaan Praks. The DR will also be co-supervised by the E-sail inventor Petri Toivanen while working for 15 months at the FMI, Finland and by Dr. Iaroslav Iakubivskyi while working 6 months at Spacecraft Anatomy, Estonia. Additional details of the positions Starting date: The position is expected to start in the first half of 2026. Trial period: 6 months  Target degree: Doctoral degree from Aalto University, Finland Approximate gross salary: The salary for a Doctoral Researcher at Aalto University is 3075 EUR per month, which will be adjusted according to the eligible allowances based on MSCA funding. The family allowance will be clarified with the selected candidate once their situation is defined.  The salary at FMI is 2900-3200 EUR/month at the beginning of employment. The starting salary at Spacecraft Anatomy is approx. 2700 EUR/month, plus family allowance, if applicable. Requirements for PhD Position Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Technology, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field. Excellent command of written and spoken English. Research experience and independent work experience evident through technical projects, theses, publications, or technical reports. This includes the evidence of innovative thinking or novel approaches to technical problems, the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to advance understanding and demonstrated curiosity and persistence in pursuing technical challenges. Strong academic and development track record with demonstrated proficiency in orbital mechanics and propagators (GMAT, STK, or similar), propulsion systems, spacecraft dynamics, space systems, space mission and environment analyses, cubesats, small spacecraft systems, space plasma physics, software development and version control (Git), simulation software development (experience in multiple fields are considered beneficial). Familiarity with simulation software and numerical methods and proficiency in programming languages (Rust, Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar) for simulation and data analysis. 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 problem-solving 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, analysis, code samples, or documentation (multiple references are considered beneficial). The above duties are not exhaustive; the PhD candidate may be required to undertake other tasks consistent with the role and the objectives of the E-Sailors Doctoral Network. Duties and Responsibilities Position 1: The E-Sailor 8 Undertake innovative and independent research on E-sail tether deployment monitoring, dynamics, and safety to enhance the reliability of future nanosatellite missions. Carry out literature reviews, requirement analyses, and theoretical studies on tether mechanics, deployment systems, and in-orbit monitoring approaches. Develop and validate numerical models of tether and spacecraft dynamics, and create photorealistic 3D visualizations to support monitoring and analysis of deployment behaviour. Adapt, develop, and learn new simulation, modelling, and imaging tools, including integration with real-time visualization frameworks such as RT3D. Plan and execute laboratory experiments to characterize tether deployment and verify model performance under controlled conditions. Contribute to in-orbit testing and data analysis activities related to the Foresail-1p mission, including image-based monitoring and interpretation of tether behaviour. Design and propose improved E-sail tether deployment schemes, safety mechanisms, and operational procedures for future missions. Document and communicate research progress through high-quality technical reports, scientific publications, and conference presentations. Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners at Aalto University and CrystalSpace, while maintaining the ability to work independently and solve technical challenges proactively. Stay up to date with advances in spacecraft dynamics, tether technologies, and on-board imaging systems, integrating new insights into the research. Actively contribute to outreach and communication activities that promote awareness of E-sail technology and space engineering research. The above duties are not exhaustive; the PhD candidate may be required to undertake additional tasks consistent with the role and the objectives of the E-Sailors Doctoral Network. Position 2: The E-Sailor 4 Undertake innovative and independent research on the design, development, and testing of nanosatellite-compatible E-sail payload systems, contributing to the advancement of sustainable electric sail propulsion technology. Carry out literature reviews, requirements analysis, and conceptual studies based on lessons learned from previous E-sail missions (ESTCube-1, ESTCube-2, Foresail-1p) to define the design framework for next-generation E-sail payloads. Develop and implement detailed design concepts for the ESTCube-LuNa E-sail payload, including mechanical layout, tether deployment mechanisms, electronics, and spacecraft interface design. Adapt, develop, and learn new engineering and simulation tools, software, and laboratory methodologies relevant to nanosatellite payload design, integration, and testing. Lead the manufacturing and experimental validation of the ESTCube-LuNa E-sail payload prototype, including functional testing, thermal-vacuum testing, and environmental qualification. Document and communicate research results in professional written English through technical reports, design documentation, and peer-reviewed scientific publications. Present research progress and findings at academic and industry conferences, workshops, and project meetings, addressing both technical and non-technical audiences. Collaborate closely with researchers and engineers at Aalto University, FMI, and Space Application (SA), while maintaining the ability to work independently and proactively address technical challenges. Stay current with developments in spacecraft propulsion, nanosatellite engineering, and plasma interaction technologies, integrating new findings into project activities. Contribute actively to outreach, education, and public engagement activities related to space technology and E-sail research. The above duties are not exhaustive; the PhD candidate may be required to undertake other tasks consistent with the role and the objectives of the E-Sailors Doctoral Network. Eligibility requirements The applicant must be a doctoral candidate (i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment). The researcher to be recruited can be of any nationality. At the time of recruitment, the researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland 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. If you are chosen for this position, you will apply for the study right in doctoral studies at Aalto University School of Electrical Engineering. Thus, please see the student information and admission criteria at https://www.aalto.fi/en/study-options/aalto-doctoral-programme-in-electrical-engineering. How to apply? Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. To access the recruitment system, please use the “Apply now!” link below. Please apply as soon as possible, at the latest by January 31st, 2026 (at 23.59 UTC +2). The applicant must submit the following documents through the Aalto portal; only clear copies of documents will be considered. Please note that our recruitment system allows maximum of 5 attachments, so please combine the copies of certificates and transcripts in one PDF, if necessary. Copies of the bachelor's and master's degree certificates including transcripts. For degrees completed in European universities, include also the Diploma Supplement. If the original documents are in a language other than English, include also translations into English. Finnish and Swedish certificates are also accepted. Motivation letter: maximum 1 page where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications; you may include also your previous research fields and main research results. Please emphasize your future goals career-wise Curriculum Vitae / CV List of publications (if any) showing your contribution in the publication References: Contact detail(s) of referee(s) included in the CV Please remember to indicate in your application which position you are primarily interested in (Position 1: The E-Sailor 8 or Position 2: The E-Sailor 4). Please note that we might begin conducting interviews already during the application period, so early applications are encouraged. This allows us to get to know candidates as soon as possible and keep the process moving efficiently. For more information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Jaan Praks, (jaan.praks@aalto.fi). Additional information in recruitment process related questions, please contact ELEC’s HR team, hr-elec@aalto.fi. More about Aalto University: Aalto.fi youtube.com/user/aaltouniversity linkedin.com/school/aalto-university/ www.facebook.com/aaltouniversity instagram.com/aaltouniversity To view information about Workday Accessibility, please click here. Please see more of our Open Positions here.

About Us Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement (P&A) provides a fundraising and alumni engagement function in support of King’s College London. We are proud to work with colleagues across the university and its health partners to help them serve society through world-leading education, research and healthcare. Our work also includes a partnership with the Maudsley Charity in support of children’s mental health initiatives between the university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and the South London & Maudsley NHS Trust.  We are a committed team that brings together fundraisers working across different channels, alongside colleagues who promote King’s College London’s engagement with its worldwide alumni community. Our work is underpinned and enhanced by a range of dedicated professionals in supporting areas covering proposition development, supporter engagement, supporter operations and business operations. We have an impressive, well-established track record of success in securing support that allows the university and partners to deliver on their missions. This includes our global, award-winning World Questions: King’s Answers campaign, which set the standard in the sector and enabled us to raise substantial funds to help tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Ambitious and innovative, the team has won awards such as a CASE Platinum Award for Fundraising and a CASE Gold Award for Donor Relations and Stewardship. We are strongly values-driven with a focus on sustaining an excellent and supportive culture, which we see as key to creating a successful team that can support the university and its partners in making a real and positive difference to the world we live in. More on King’s College London  King’s College London is an internationally renowned university delivering exceptional education and world-leading research. The university is dedicated to driving positive and sustainable change in society and realising our vision of making the world a better place. Through its commitment to exceptional education, impactful research and genuine service to society, King’s College London is creating positive change in its communities, both in London and on the world stage. The Strategic Vision 2029 looks forward to King’s College London’s 200th anniversary in 2029 and sets out ambitious plans in five key areas:  Educating the next generation of change-makers; Challenging ideas and driving change through research; Giving back to society through meaningful service; Working with our local communities in London; Fostering global citizens with an international perspective   Find out more here - https://www.kcl.ac.uk/about  About the role We are seeking a motivated and passionate Leadership Giving Officer to cultivate and solicit gifts from alumni who have the capacity to make donations to the university of between £1,000 and £50,000. You will be working in an exciting and varied role that blends one to one, and mass fundraising, as part of the Leadership Giving team within the Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement department. We are a warm, collaborative, and enthusiastic team with a passion for innovative fundraising for meaningful impact. The postholder will support fundraising for exciting and impactful initiatives across the university. The primary responsibility of the role is to manage two of the flagship Leadership Giving Programmes: the Kingsmaker Guild and Key to King’s. Additionally, they will also manage a portfolio of prospective and existing donors who they will connect with personally, engaging them with the university with the aim of soliciting new or uplifted donations. Sitting within the KCL Philanthropy Team and working collaboratively with the other fundraisers in the university, the Leadership Giving Officer will manage the delivery of mass-fundraising appeals and stewardship, while also spending time in direct interaction with donors, both in and out of the office. This role would be well suited to someone with some fundraising experience who is at the early stages of their career and keen to apply their skills in a hands-on environment. Candidates who also have a strong aptitude for strategic communication and relationship building are encouraged to apply. We are looking for someone willing to learn new skills, real drive to develop their career, and who is keen to have their work make a real difference in the world while having a great time doing it! This is a full-time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered an indefinite contract. P&A has a hybrid working approach, with a minimum of 40% in the office. Typically, this equates to two days per week, but we’re very happy for colleagues to be in more frequently if they so wish. About You To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: Essential criteria Fundraising experience, in either a Charity or Higher Education setting Experience of managing projects, or strategy development skills. Excellent communication skills, both spoken and written. Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, both internally and externally. Resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. Goal orientated and persistent in achieving objectives. The ability to think laterally, and to develop and execute creative and targeted strategies to engage and build long term relationships with prospective and current supporters. Desirable criteria Direct Marketing/Supporter Journey experience. Knowledge of Microsoft Dynamics or other similar fundraising database. Experience of working within the Higher Education sector. Downloading a copy of our Job Description Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process. Further Information We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. In P&A we want to build a diverse team, which represents the communities served by the organisations we support. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented.  We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's. We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including part-time, compressed hours and/or job shares, as appropriate and in the context of the business needs associated with the role.  We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible. To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages. This role will have two interview stages: a standard skills-based interview followed (for up to two appointable candidates) by a Core Values interview. First stage interviews are due to be held week commencing 19th January 2026, and Core Values interviews due to be held week commencing 26th January. ​The Equality Act of 2010 protects the rights of our students and staff and provides a framework to fulfill our duties to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and in addition, to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations between those who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. At times, this will include balancing rights and beliefs that can feel in tension. ​We are committed to free speech and to academic freedom, believing that our foundational purpose as a university, is to create spaces where a wide range of ideas, including ideas that are controversial, can be discussed and debated, and where members of our community can express lawful views without fear of intimidation, harassment or discrimination.  ​When engaging in the robust exchange of ideas, we ask that our community is mindful of our Dignity at King’s guidance​ Grade and Salary: £39,076 - £43,909 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance Job ID: 134725 Close Date: 13-Jan-2026 Contact Person: Christopher Demetriou Contact Details: christopher.demetriou@kcl.ac.uk

The University of Vienna is a community of almost 11,000 individuals, including approximately 7,700 academic staff members, who passionately pursue answers to the profound questions that shape our future. Fueled by curiosity and a deep sense of duty, they contribute invaluable insights to research and teaching, enriching our society. Are you inspired and driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact? We are currently seeking a/an Scientific project assistant postdoc 45 Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies Startdate: 01.06.2026 | Working hours: 40 | Collective bargaining agreement: §48 VwGr. B1 lit. b (postdoc) Limited until: 31.05.2032  Reference no.: 5093 Your personal sphere of play: As one of the largest research institutions in Europe, the University of Vienna offers an exceptionally broad range of disciplines and thus provides an outstanding infrastructure for transdisciplinary research in the humanities. We are offering a six-year, fixed-term postdoctoral position in the field of Yiddish Studies. You will propose your own research project on a topic within Yiddish studies. The position is based at the Faculty of Philological and Cultural Studies at the University of Vienna under the direction of Univ.-Prof. Kriszta Eszter Szendrői, B.A., PhD. Your future tasks: Active participation in research, teaching & administration, which means: You will carry out excellent scholarly work on your research project and write scholarly publications (articles or a monograph) on your research project. You will represent your research at scholarly conferences. You will collaborate with Prof. Kriszta Eszter Szendröi to create an Erweiterungscurriculum in Yiddish Studies and contribute to its teaching and administration. You will assist with the organisation of conferences, lectures, workshops and contribute to the organisation and/or teaching of the University of Vienna Summer School on Yiddish Language and Culture. This is part of your personality: You have successfully completed a doctoral degree in Yiddish Studies or a related subject. Your main research interest is in the field of Yiddish studies. If you have additional research interests that is an advantage. You have a sound knowledge of Yiddish literature and/or linguistics and/or cultural history and/ or Ashkenazi Jewish history and the methods of your subject area. If you have knowledge of more than one subject area that is an advantage. You have a very good command of Yiddish. You have a very good command of written and spoken English, knowledge of German is an advantage (language learning will be supported during the employment period). You are a team player and are interested in playing an active role in the vitalization of Yiddish cultural life. What we offer: Work-life balance: Our employees enjoy flexible working hours, remote/hybrid and/or part-time work (upon agreement). Inspiring working atmosphere: You are a part of an international academic team in a healthy and fair working environment. Good public transport connections: Your workplace in the center of beautiful Vienna is easily accessible by public transport. Internal further training & Coaching: Opportunity to deepen your skills on an ongoing basis. There are over 600 courses to choose from – free of charge. Fixed-term contract and fair salary: The basic salary of EUR 4.932,90 (14 times a year) for a period of 6 years / 72 months increases if we can credit professional experience. Equal opportunities for all: We welcome every additional/new personality to the team! It is that easy to apply: with a letter of motivation written in German or English (max. 1 page). your academic CV (max. 2 pages) and a list of your publications; research project proposal (max. 2 pages); a digital version of two research articles or two chapters of your dissertation; contact details of two referees; your diploma certificates in digital form; apply via our job portal using the 'Apply now' button. If you have any questions, please contact: Kriszta Eszter Szendröi kriszta.eszter.szendroei@univie.ac.at We look forward to new personalities in our team! The University of Vienna has an anti-discriminatory employment policy and attaches great importance to equal opportunities, the advancement of women and diversity. We place particular emphasis on enhancing women’s representation among the academic and general university staff, particularly in leadership roles, and therefore expressly encourage qualified women to apply. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female candidates. University of Vienna. Space for personalities. Since 1365. Data protection ​Application deadline: 02/01/2026  Post Doc