PhD Research Fellow in Space Sensors and Systems

About the position

A position as a PhD Research Fellow is available at the Centre for Space Sensors and Systems (CENSSS) at the Department of Technology Systems (ITS).

CENSSS is a Centre for Research-based Innovation (SFI), funded by the Research Council of Norway (RCN) and UiO for up to eight years, starting in November 2020. CENSSS has three research partners and nine user partners. CENSSS is located at Kjeller, Norway, where there is a long history of space science and technology dating back to the 1960s.

CENSSS will address challenges and opportunities in science, technology and business related to “New-Space” satellites and systems for Earth Observation, as well as Space Exploration, by focusing on novel sensors, systems and services. CENSSS is operating the RIMFAX ground penetrating radar on the NASA Perseverance Mars rover.

CENSSS aims to strengthen competence and capabilities of all its participants in development of space systems. CENSSS plans to develop and launch a research satellite.

The core activity of the Centre shall support Researchers, PhD candidates and Postdocs. They work in close contact with the research and user partners of CENSSS. In 2023, the department started a Master’s degree program in Space systems, in collaboration with other departments at UiO and other organizations

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

The fellowship period is 3 years. Starting date as soon as possible.

A fourth year may be considered with a workload of 25 % that may consist of teaching, supervision duties, and/or research assistance. This is dependent upon the qualification of the applicant and the current needs of the department.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030.

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Job description

The available PhD position is part of the CENSSAT team, developing a micro-satellite that will investigate the correlation between solar activity and atmospheric response. Payloads on this satellite are a novel radiation detector, a plasma probe, and a multispectral camera.

We are looking for an experienced space engineer who is interested in adding a PhD to her/his CV.

The PhD position focuses on systems engineering for the satellite, developing the mission profile, determine the different budgets and develop the operation plan. In addition, the PhD candidate shall support the development and integration of the payloads.

The PhD research work will include several of the following topics and tasks:

• Evaluate scientific mission concept on technical feasibility
• Optimize satellite configuration
• Define requirements for satellite bus
• Model satellite in orbit
• Determine mission budgets (power, data)
• Develop operation plan
• Support payload development
• Support spacecraft AIT
• Dissemination through scientific publications

The specific project description will be developed together with the supervisor and the partners, depending on the skillset and interest of the PhD fellow. It is expected that the PhD fellow will work closely with one or more partners at CENSSS.

Qualification requirements

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Master’s degree or equivalent in space engineering, aeronautics, avionics or related fields.
• Foreign completed degree (M.Sc.-level) corresponding to a minimum of four years in the Norwegian educational system
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Relevant working experience in the field of satellite design, mission design AIT or operations
• Experience with orbit simulation tools, such as STK, GMAT
• Experience in at least two or more of the following fields:
  • Mission planning
  • Satellite operation
  • Instrumentation
  • Small satellite design
  • Assembly, integration and test
  • PA/QA
• Experience with ESA projects and/or launch providers are appreciated but not demanded
• The research area for the position can include technologies or information referred to in the Ministry's export control regulations or the Norwegian National Security Act (Lov om Nasjonal Sikkerhet, a.k.a. “Sikkerhetsloven”), and the candidate must be eligible for a Norwegian security clearance.

Grade requirements:
The norm is as follows:

• The average grade point for courses included in the Bachelor’s degree must be C or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The average grade point for courses included in the Master’s degree must be B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• The Master’s thesis must have the grade B or better in the Norwegian educational system
• English requirements for applicants from outside of EU/ EEA countries and exemptions from the requirements:

https://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/regulations/regulations.html#toc8

The purpose of the fellowship is research training leading to the successful completion of a PhD degree.

The fellowship requires admission to the PhD programme at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The application to the PhD programme must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

For more information see:

http://www.uio.no/english/research/phd/

http://www.mn.uio.no/english/research/phd/

Personal skills

• Ability to take initiative and come up with new ideas to solve theoretical and practical problems
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team
• Good personal communication skills

We offer

• Salary NOK 532 200 – 575 400,-- per annum depending on qualifications and seniority as PhD Research Fellow (position code 1017)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Career development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include:

• Cover letter - statement of motivation and research interests
• CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work - scientific publications)
• Copies of the original Bachelor and Master’s degree diploma and transcripts of records
• Documentation of English proficiency if applicable
• List of publications and academic work that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system (please follow the link “Apply for this job”). Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

UiO has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

For further information about the position please contact:
Associate Professor Anja Kohfeldt, e-mail: anja.kohfeldt@its.uio.no

For technical questions regarding Jobbnorge, please contact:
HR Adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no