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Postdoc in Radio Science and Orbit Determination Researcher/Developer (Tudat) TU Delft in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
30-month temporary postdoc contract at TU Delft, 36-40 hours per week, with salary and benefits according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement. Salary range listed is €3706-€5760, with pension, flexible working arrangements, leave hours, and other employment benefits.
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
TU Delft
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About this position
TU Delft is advertising a Postdoc in Radio Science & Orbit Determination Researcher/Developer (Tudat) within the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering in the Netherlands. The role focuses on developing and extending the open-science orbital dynamics platform Tudat for radio science applications to planetary missions.
The successful candidate will combine software development and research in astrodynamics, orbit determination, and numerical methods. Key tasks include maintaining and improving the Tudat C++ core and Python interfaces, implementing radio-science estimation pipelines, extending background models such as gravity variations, radiation pressure, atmosphere, and spacecraft dynamics, and applying the framework to selected missions and real tracking data (Doppler, range, VLBI, etc.). The position also involves scientific publication, documentation, tutorials, and community support for an open-source and FAIR workflow.
Eligibility highlights: a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy, or a similar field; strong C++ and Python skills; experience with git, CI, testing, and code review; solid research background in astrodynamics/orbit determination; and experience with Tudat or a similar tool. Experience with radio tracking data analysis or planetary mission spacecraft dynamics is a plus.
Funding and contract: 30-month temporary postdoc appointment, 36–40 hours per week, with salary in the range of €3706–€5760 under the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement. Benefits include pension, leave hours, flexible working, training opportunities, and partial paid parental leave.
Application: apply online by 15 November 2026 using the application button, and upload a CV and motivational letter addressed to Dominic Dirkx. Do not submit by email or post.
Funding details
30-month temporary postdoc contract at TU Delft, 36-40 hours per week, with salary and benefits according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement. Salary range listed is €3706-€5760, with pension, flexible working arrangements, leave hours, and other employment benefits.
What's required
A PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy or a similar field is required. Applicants should have strong software engineering skills in C++ and Python, including git, CI, testing, and code review, plus a strong background and research experience in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods. Experience using and developing Tudat or a similar tool is required, and experience with radio tracking data analysis or planetary mission spacecraft dynamics is a strong plus. The candidate should be able to work in a multidisciplinary, open-source environment.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button by 15 November 2026. Upload a CV and motivational letter, and address the application to Dominic Dirkx. Do not send applications by email or post.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.