PhD scholarship in Optical Space Navigation sensors and instrumentation - DTU Space
The international space sector is presently developing and expanding at an explosive rate. This development leads to new applications such as mega constellations, human spaceflight and advanced exploration mission, but also to a suite of issues with sustainability, crowding, cleanliness and planetary protection.
Novel, accurate dependable Optical Navigation Sensors are key to support both expanding uses of space, and to keep Space safe and clean. DTU Space is presently developing space instruments to many of the worlds most advanced space missions, and has a strong research and technology base in space navigation instruments and techniques.
As a PhD student, you will work with our research and development teams presently designing and validating spacecraft instrumentation for the coming decade. At any given time, the department is working on international space missions in various stages of development, from ideas and concepts, over scientific and engineering detailed designs, and prototype development, to implementation of engineering models to the actual flight versions, to in-flight verification and maintenance. One of the benefits from this study is thus that you will get deep knowledge about the entire lifecycle of spacecraft instrumentation, despite the fact that space missions typically span decades from idea to spaceflight and science return.
Responsibilities and qualifications
To expand this research and development line, DTU Space are now seeking a highly motivated PhD student, eager to contribute to these activities. Your background preferably encompass spacecraft technology, optical systems and sensors, and past experiences with spacecraft instrument design, build and verification processes are a definite plus.
As advanced spacecraft instrument design is interdisciplinary by nature, you will interface to a broad range of leading experts required to achieve dependable designs, and to specialists from some of the worlds most advanced space missions presently under development. Your work will thus encompass theoretical development as well as implementation and validation methodologies.
The research will focus on the development and validation of optical navigation sensors for autonomous spacecraft navigation. This includes optical modelling, calibration methodologies, uncertainty analysis, performance prediction, and experimental verification of sensor concepts and instrument systems.
The project aims to advance the state of the art in dependable optical navigation for future spacecraft through novel modelling, calibration and validation methodologies.
Your key research field will encompass all elements ranging from conceptual design, via detailed optimization, performance predictions, and applicability to the target space environment and validation methods for the final instrument systems.
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. Further you must meet the following qualifications:
- Strong analytical skills and a background in space environments and the impact these have on instruments
- Strong mathematical (courses or work) background in modelling electro-optical frontends
- Programming skills in Python, C(++), Matlab or similar
- Modelling or analytical skills in determining/predicting performance characteristics of instrumentation systems in space environment.
- Fluency in English, spoken and written.
Experience or curiosity and motivation working with professional space scientists and international partners.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.
Assessment
Review and selection of the successful candidate will be performed by three experts in optical space navigation from the department.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please see DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: www.inside.dtu.dk/en/human-resources/during-employment/salary/salary-structures
The period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from John Jørgensen ([email protected])
You can read more about DTU Space at www.space.dtu.dk
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU - Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 25 September 2026 (23:59 Danish time).
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
- If previous experiences or studies in the field of Optical Navigation in space, please include a description in your application
You may apply prior to obtaining your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
DTU Space is located at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark and is the leading institution concerning public space activities in Denmark. The mission of the Institute is to conduct research, development, public-sector consultancy, education, and innovation at the highest international level in the following areas: Space Technology & Instrumentation, Earth Observation & Geoscience, and Space & Astrophysics.
DTU - For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.