TUD Dresden University of Technology, recognized as a University of Excellence, invites applications for a full-time PhD student position (Research Associate) at the Chair of Space Systems, Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering. This opportunity is part of the E-Sailors Doctoral Network, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement. The position, starting May 1, 2026, focuses on the development of an electron emitter for the Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail) technology, a cutting-edge, propellantless propulsion system for deep space exploration. The E-Sailors network brings together eight universities, the Finnish Meteorological Institute (FMI), and four companies to advance E-sail technology from Low Earth Orbit demonstration to operational use in the solar wind. E-sail propulsion utilizes kilometers-long, hair-thin wires charged at high voltage to deflect solar wind particles, generating thrust for interplanetary missions. The successful candidate (E-Sailor 6) will design and develop an electron gun compatible with the ESTCube-LuNa mission, addressing challenges such as 20 kV electron acceleration, volume and weight constraints, and the harsh plasma/atomic oxygen environment of space. Collaboration with E-Sailor 5 is expected for electrical interface development, and the project includes prototype construction, performance and lifetime testing, and payload integration support. Training objectives include developing core scientific skills in space technology experimentation, gaining expertise in space mission development, and acquiring transferrable skills in Open Science, science communication, advocacy, networking, and entrepreneurship. The program offers interdisciplinary and international research experience, with a 2-month secondment at Aalto University in Finland. Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Solid experience with electron/ion beam design and experimentation is required, along with excellent English proficiency. Candidates must meet the Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule (not have resided/worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 36 months) and must not already possess a doctoral degree. Eligibility to enroll in the TU Dresden PhD program is mandatory. The position is open to candidates of any nationality, provided they can obtain a German visa if required. Benefits include a competitive MSCA salary (living, mobility, and family allowances), covered tuition and research costs, and funding for short-term mobility such as conference attendance. TU Dresden is committed to diversity, family-friendliness, and equal opportunity, encouraging applications from women and candidates with disabilities. To apply, submit a single PDF containing the application form, motivation letter, CV, reference letters or contacts, educational/professional certificates, and passport copy via the TUD SecureMail Portal or by email to [email protected], quoting the reference “Application for DC6 position.” Additionally, send a short (max 30 seconds) video introducing yourself and your motivation in a separate email. The deadline for applications is January 30, 2026. More information about the E-Sailors project and eligibility criteria can be found on the project website and TU Dresden’s doctoral program page. Selection involves eligibility screening, shortlisting, and online interviews. Notification of outcomes will follow interviews. Please note that expenses for interviews are not reimbursed, and only copies of documents should be submitted. For further details, visit the E-Sailors project page or contact the supervisors as listed.

TUD Dresden University of Technology, recognized as a University of Excellence, invites applications for a full-time PhD position (Research Associate) at the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Institute of Aerospace Engineering, Chair of Space Systems. This opportunity is part of the E-Sailors Doctoral Network, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement. The position, titled 'E-Sailor 5,' focuses on developing a high-voltage Power Processing Unit (PPU) for the innovative Electric Solar Wind Sail (E-sail) propulsion system, a disruptive technology for deep space exploration. The E-sail concept utilizes hair-thin, kilometers-long wires charged at high voltage to create an electrostatic sheath, deflecting solar wind particles and generating propulsive force in interplanetary environments. The successful candidate will design, prototype, and test a PPU capable of delivering voltages in the range of 20 kV and currents in the hundreds of microamperes, ensuring efficiency and reliability in vacuum and space conditions. The project includes collaboration with other E-Sailor researchers and supports payload integration for the ESTCube-LuNa mission. Training objectives include developing core scientific skills in space technology experimentation, mission development, and a broad set of transferrable skills such as Open Science, science communication, advocacy, networking, and entrepreneurship. The program offers interdisciplinary and international research experience, with a 2-month secondment at Aalto University in Finland and collaboration across 8 universities and 4 companies. Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field, with solid knowledge in high-voltage circuit design. Space electronics experience is advantageous. Excellent English proficiency is required, and candidates must be eligible to enroll in a PhD program at TU Dresden. The position is open to all nationalities, but applicants must not have resided or worked in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 36 months prior to recruitment, in accordance with MSCA mobility rules. Candidates must not already possess a doctoral degree. The position offers a competitive salary according to MSCA regulations, including living, mobility, and family allowances (if eligible), with employer contributions to social security and health insurance. Tuition, research costs, and short-term mobility (e.g., conference attendance) are covered. TUD Dresden is committed to diversity, family-friendliness, and encourages applications from women and candidates with disabilities. To apply, submit a single PDF containing the application form, motivation letter, CV, reference letters or contacts, educational and professional certificates, and passport copy via the TUD SecureMail Portal or by email to [email protected] by January 30, 2026. Additionally, send a short video (max 30 seconds) introducing yourself and your motivation in a separate email. Quote the reference 'Application for DC5 position.' Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. For further details, visit the E-Sailors project page and TU Dresden’s doctoral program information.

TUD Dresden University of Technology invites applications for a fully funded PhD position (Research Associate) in the field of electric solar wind sail (E-sail) technology, as part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (E-Sailors, DC6) . The position is based at the Chair of Space Systems, Institute of Aerospace Engineering , and focuses on the development of an electron emitter for E-sail applications , with a start date of May 1, 2026 and a duration of 36 months. The E-Sailors network aims to advance E-sail technology from low Earth orbit demonstrations to operational use in the solar wind, supporting the EU's leadership in deep space exploration. The project is a collaboration among 8 universities, FMI (where E-sail was invented), and 4 companies, offering a unique interdisciplinary and international research environment. The successful candidate will work on designing, prototyping, and testing an electron gun compatible with the ESTCube-LuNa mission, addressing challenges such as high-voltage acceleration (20 kV), volume and weight constraints, and harsh space environments (e.g., atomic oxygen, plasma). Supervision will be provided by Prof. Dr. Martin Tajmar (TUD Dresden) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaan Praks (Aalto University, Finland). The position includes a 2-month secondment at Aalto University, further enhancing international exposure and collaboration. Key benefits: Competitive salary and allowances according to MSCA regulations (living, mobility, and family, if eligible) Full coverage of tuition, research, and short-term mobility costs Participation in a cutting-edge, EU-funded research network Comprehensive training in scientific, technical, and transferable skills (Open Science, entrepreneurship, communication, etc.) Supportive, diverse, and family-friendly academic environment Eligibility and requirements: Applicants must hold (or be about to obtain) a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Experience with electron/ion beams and experimental design is essential. Excellent English proficiency is required. Applicants must not already hold a doctoral degree and must comply with the MSCA mobility rule (not have resided or worked/studied in Germany for more than 12 months in the past 36 months). Candidates must be eligible to enroll in the PhD program at TU Dresden and, if non-EU, must be able to obtain a German visa. Application process: Submit a single PDF with the required documents (application form, motivation letter, CV, references, certificates, passport) via the TUD SecureMail Portal or by email to [email protected] by January 30, 2026 . A short video introduction is also required. Detailed instructions and forms are available in the full position description and on the project website. Only complete and compliant applications will be considered. For more information, visit the E-Sailors project page or the official application link .

TUD Dresden University of Technology, recognized as a University of Excellence, invites applications for a full-time PhD position (Research Associate) in the E-Sailors Doctoral Network, focusing on 'Future Solar-Wind Propulsion Concepts' (DC3). Hosted by the Chair of Space Systems at the Institute of Aerospace Engineering, this position is part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) project funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. The successful candidate will join a vibrant, interdisciplinary, and international research environment, collaborating with 8 universities and 4 companies, including a secondment at FMI in Finland, the birthplace of E-sail technology. The E-Sailors network aims to advance electric solar wind sail (E-sail) technology from demonstration missions in Low Earth Orbit to operational use in the solar wind, supporting the EU's leadership in deep space exploration. The DC3 project specifically explores innovative solar-wind propulsion concepts beyond the classical E-sail, such as the Dipole Drive and solar-wind ion focusing thruster. The research involves comprehensive literature review, mathematical modeling, development of advanced numerical tools, and experimental validation through sub-scale prototypes. The candidate will benchmark new concepts against current state-of-the-art technologies and assess their application in future science missions. Training objectives include developing core scientific skills in space technology experimentation and mission design, acquiring transferable skills in Open Science, science communication, advocacy, and networking, and building business and entrepreneurship competencies such as IPR management and business planning. The position offers a competitive MSCA salary package, including living, mobility, and family allowances (if eligible), as well as coverage for tuition, research, and short-term mobility costs. Employer contributions to social security and health insurance are provided according to German regulations. Applicants must hold (or be close to completing) a Master’s degree in aerospace engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related field, with solid knowledge in plasma propulsion. Excellent English proficiency is required, and candidates must be eligible to enroll in a PhD program at TU Dresden. The MSCA Mobility Rule applies: candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Germany for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to recruitment. The position is open to candidates of any nationality, provided they meet EU visa requirements. The employment contract cannot be issued until the Master’s degree is obtained. Applications should be submitted as a single PDF (application form, motivation letter, CV, references, certificates, passport copy) via the TUD SecureMail Portal or by email to [email protected], quoting 'Application for DC3 position'. A short video (max 30 seconds) introducing yourself and your motivation must be sent in a separate email. The deadline for applications is January 30, 2026. Selection involves eligibility review, shortlisting, and online interviews. The university encourages applications from women and candidates with disabilities, and is committed to diversity and family-friendly policies. For further details, visit the E-Sailors project page ( https://sisu.ut.ee/esailors/ ) and the TU Dresden PhD program information ( link ). Data protection information is available at this page . This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge space propulsion research and become a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellow at one of Germany’s leading technical universities.