Alexandre Carlos Morgado Correia
Closing soon
5 days ago
PhD Researcher / Assistant Researcher in Astronomy (Astrophysics) University of Coimbra in Portugal
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Aerospace Engineering
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 12, 2026
Country
Portugal
University
University of Coimbra
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About this position
University of Coimbra is advertising 1 fixed-term PhD Researcher position, equivalent to Assistant Researcher, in Astronomy with a subarea focus on Astrophysics, at the Centre for Physics (CFisUC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Technology. The work is embedded in the SPACE project, titled Monitoring, forecasting and control of the Earth’s space environment, and is financed by Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia under Project No. 14981 / COMPETE2030-FEDER-00860300.
The research topic is strongly connected to space situational awareness and orbital mechanics. The appointed researcher will work on orbit determination for Resident Space Objects (RSOs) using the Theory of Functional Connections (TFC), orbit propagation tools, estimation of satellite collision probability, and the design of collision-mitigation and docking maneuvers, including for satellites equipped with solar sails. This is a full-time temporary public service contract based at the Department of Physics in Coimbra, Portugal.
The position is open for 1 candidate and carries a gross monthly salary of 3,576.56 euros. The contract duration is up to 3 years, renewable yearly up to a maximum of 6 years. The competition follows Portuguese public employment rules and uses a two-stage evaluation: scientific background/CV (90%) and interview (10%). Only the top 4 candidates from the CV stage will be invited to interview.
Eligibility requires a PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics, or a closely related area, with demonstrated ability to contribute to the main scientific objectives. Applicants who are not native speakers of Portuguese or English must show CEFR C1 proficiency in at least one of those languages. Selected candidates with foreign doctoral degrees must present degree recognition or registration at contract signing.
Applications must be submitted electronically via Apply UC. Required materials include a signed CV covering the last five years, qualification certificates, 3 to 6 representative papers, all other publications or DOI/URN identifiers, and any additional documents the applicant considers relevant. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline. The deadline is 12 November 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Lisbon).
Funding details
Available
What's required
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Astronomy/Astrophysics or a related field, with scientific background demonstrating the ability to work thoroughly in the main field of the tender. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, not be barred from public-sector employment or from performing the role, be in good health and meet the required psychological profile and vaccination requirements. Non-native speakers of Portuguese or English must have proficiency at CEFR C1 level in at least one of those languages. Application documents must be submitted in English, and a foreign doctoral degree must be recognized or registered by contract signing if selected.
How to apply
Register and submit the application on the Apply UC platform at apply.uc.pt. Upload the required documents in PDF: CV, qualification certificates, 3 to 6 best papers, all other papers or DOI/URN identifiers, and any other relevant materials. Ensure the application is complete and submitted by the deadline; late or incomplete applications are not admitted.
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Professors
Full Professor at University of Coimbra
Portugal
Research Interests
Astrophysics
Astronomy
Physics
Optimisation
Celestial Mechanics
Associate Professor with “Agregação” at University of Coimbra
Portugal
Research Interests
Astrophysics
Astronomy
Physics
Collision Avoidance
Celestial Mechanics
Full Professor at University of Coimbra
Portugal
Research Interests
Aerospace Engineering
Astronomy
Celestial Mechanics
Collision Avoidance
Physics
Full Professor at University of Coimbra
Portugal
Research Interests
Aerospace Engineering
Astrophysics
Physics
Kalman Filtering
Computer Science
Associate Professor at University of Coimbra
Portugal
Research Interests
Aerospace Engineering
Astrophysics
Physics
Image Processing
Computer Science
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.