Aalto University
1 week ago
PhD Doctoral Researcher in Electric Solar Wind Sail Mission Design and Payload Development Aalto University in Finland
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
MSCA Doctoral Network funded PhD positions. Approximate gross salary at Aalto University is 3143 EUR/month, adjusted according to eligible MSCA allowances; family allowance may apply depending on the candidate's situation. Salary at FMI is 2900-3200 EUR/month at the beginning of employment. Salary at Spacecraft Anatomy is approx. 2700 EUR/month plus family allowance if applicable.
Deadline
Oct 20, 2026
Country
Finland
University
Aalto University
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About this position
Doctoral Researcher positions are open in the Electric solar wind sail (E-sail) MSCA Doctoral Network at Aalto University, with collaboration from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, CrystalSpace, and Spacecraft Anatomy. The call offers two PhD-level research tracks: E-Sailor 8 on tether deployment monitoring, dynamics, safety, simulation, and photorealistic 3D visualization; and E-Sailor 4 on E-sail payload design, engineering, prototype development, and testing for nanospacecraft and the ESTCube-LuNa mission.
Research themes include aerospace engineering, space technology, space mission design, payload development, orbital mechanics, spacecraft dynamics, space plasma physics, simulation, and software development. The project uses data from missions such as Foresail-1p and ESTCube-1/2, and aims to advance propellantless propulsion for deep-space exploration.
The positions are hosted at Aalto University in Finland, with planned research periods at FMI and industrial partners. The programme is funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network. Approximate gross salary at Aalto is 3143 EUR/month, with MSCA allowances; other host periods have their own salary levels and possible family allowance.
Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree, have excellent English, and show strong evidence of independent research or technical development. Required skills include orbital mechanics tools (GMAT, STK or similar), programming (Python, MATLAB, C/C++, Rust or similar), Git, numerical methods, and experience with spacecraft systems or related engineering projects. MSCA mobility rules apply: candidates must not have spent more than 12 months in Finland during the three years before recruitment.
Deadline: 20 October 2026. Apply via Aalto’s recruitment portal, upload certificates/transcripts, motivation letter, CV, publication list if any, and referee contacts. Indicate whether you are applying for Position 1 (E-Sailor 8) or Position 2 (E-Sailor 4).
Funding details
MSCA Doctoral Network funded PhD positions. Approximate gross salary at Aalto University is 3143 EUR/month, adjusted according to eligible MSCA allowances; family allowance may apply depending on the candidate's situation. Salary at FMI is 2900-3200 EUR/month at the beginning of employment. Salary at Spacecraft Anatomy is approx. 2700 EUR/month plus family allowance if applicable.
What's required
Applicant must be a doctoral candidate and must not already hold a doctoral degree. A master's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Space Technology, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field is required. Excellent written and spoken English is required. Strong research and independent work experience is expected, evidenced by technical projects, theses, publications, or technical reports. Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in orbital mechanics and propagators (GMAT, STK, or similar), propulsion systems, spacecraft dynamics, space systems, mission and environment analysis, cubesats or small spacecraft systems, space plasma physics, software development and version control (Git), simulation software development, numerical methods, and programming in Rust, Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or similar. Experience managing multiple tasks independently, leadership in technical projects, interdisciplinary teamwork, and at least one practical project completed on time with minimal supervision are expected. For MSCA eligibility, the researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Finland for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to recruitment.
How to apply
Apply through Aalto University’s online recruitment system using the Apply now link. Submit degree certificates and transcripts, motivation letter, CV, publication list if any, and referee contact details. Indicate whether you prefer Position 1 (E-Sailor 8) or Position 2 (E-Sailor 4).
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