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

Job Summary

This full-time Research Associate and PhD Student position, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant, focuses on the development of an advanced electron gun for the Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail) technology, specifically for the ESTCube-LuNa mission. The successful candidate, designated "E-Sailor 6," will be responsible for designing, prototyping, and testing an electron emitter capable of accelerating electrons to 20 kV while adhering to strict volume and weight constraints typical of space applications. Daily activities include conducting innovative, independent research, performing literature reviews, developing experimental designs, and adapting new tools and software. The role is part of the E-Sailors Doctoral Network, aiming to move E-sail technology from demonstration to operational status, offering specialized training in space technology design, mission development, and essential transferrable skills like Open Science, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. The position is based at TUD Dresden University of Technology and includes a two-month secondment at Aalto University in Finland.