Job Description

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors  

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, more than 11,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, three straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals nearly $1.8 billion.

Job Overview

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at University of Cincinnati is seeking an exceptional candidate for a postdoctoral fellow position in the field of Astrodynamics and Space Robotics. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge research in the areas of space robotics, autonomous spacecraft operations, satellite on-orbit servicing, and orbital debris removal. This position involves collaborating with faculty, graduate students, and external research partners, with opportunities to publish research and present findings in scientific journals and major conferences. Since the position is funded by research a grant from the US Space Force, only US citizens are eligible for the position. 

Essential Functions

• Conduct advanced research on topics related to space robotics and astrodynamics, including autonomous robotic systems for In-space and On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM and OSAM) and space logistics.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for distributed multi-agent system operations and spacecraft-based robotic manipulation.
• Perform research on spacecraft dynamics and control, including trajectory planning, spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and proximity operations.
• Utilize physics-based robotic simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, Matlab/Simscope) and space mission analysis software (e.g., GMAT, STK) for simulating and studying spacecraft systems operations.
• Utilize hardware-in-the-loop simulation facilities to support experimental investigation of spacecraft and robotic systems operations.
• Prepare and publish high-quality research papers in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students working on space robotics.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with a focus on dynamics and control.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with a focus on space robotics research.
• Experience with autonomous robotics for space exploration or satellite servicing missions.
• Experience with machine learning techniques for robotic decision-making and intelligent control for tasks with high uncertainties.
• Experience with research on multi-agent collaboration and decentralized control.
• Familiar with space mission design and analysis, particularly in rendezvous, proximity and docking operations.
• Knowledge of space hardware and systems, including satellite platforms, robotic arms, sensors, and actuators for space applications.
• Strong communication and writing skills, with the ability to present complex research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB for spacecraft modeling and simulation.
• Experience with simulation environments and tools used in space research (e.g., GMAT, STK, Gazebo, ROS).
• Experience with development or utilization of hardware-in-the-loop simulation-based test facilities to support spacecraft and/or robotics research.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in the field of astrodynamics and/or space robotics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Access to state-of-the-art spacecraft and robotics research facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in national and international conferences.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Competitive salary range dependent on the candidate's experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at .

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] .

The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQ: 98437 

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