Postdoctoral Researcher in Robotics, AI and Computer Vision for Robotic Satellite Decommissioning Durham University in United Kingdom

Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC) is advertising a 2-year full-time Postdoctoral Researcher (PDRA) position focused on robotics, AI, and computer vision for the disassembly and decommissioning of satellites. The role is hosted in the Department of Computer Science at Durham University and is connected to SPARC’s broader research on the circular economy in space.

The project sits at the intersection of robotic manipulation, grasping and control, manipulation planning, and AI-based computer vision including pose estimation and segmentation. Space-specific experience is not required, but it would be an advantage. The PDRA will be co-managed by Nikos Mavrakis and Prof. Hubert P. H. Shum, and is expected to collaborate with Prof. Atanu Chaudhuri and colleagues in Durham University Business School.

This is a paid academic research job, not a scholarship. The advertised salary is Grade 7: £38,784 to £46,049 per annum. The closing date is 16 June 2026 at 1:59 AM.

Applicants should review the full job description, required experience, and skills via the application link, then submit through Durham University’s recruitment system. For role-specific questions, contact [email protected].