Research Associate / PhD Student, Electric Solar Wind Sail Doctors (E-Sailors) | Doktorand (m/w/d)

Job Summary

This full-time PhD position, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) grant, focuses on developing a high-voltage Power Processing Unit (PPU) for the disruptive Electric solar wind Sail (E-sail) technology at TUD Dresden University of Technology. The successful candidate, dubbed 'E-Sailor 5,' will be responsible for designing, prototyping, and testing a PPU capable of providing high voltages (around 20 kV) and currents to power the E-Sail electron emitter and sail, while ensuring efficiency for vacuum and space environments. The role involves innovative and independent research, experimental design, developing new concepts, and supporting payload integration for the ESTCube-LuNa mission. This Doctoral Network offers comprehensive training in core scientific skills, specialized knowledge in space technology demonstration, and transferrable skills like Open Science, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, positioning the candidate for leadership in deep space exploration.