Research Associate In Space Technology: Orbital Dynamics And Mission Analysis

This post is full time and has funding until 30 November 2025. The James Watt School of Engineering has an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to make a leading contribution to the SOLSPACE project through the research theme on Orbital Dynamics and Mission Analysis, working with Professor Colin McInnes. This is an exciting opportunity to join the SOLSPACE project, supported by an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council. The project is undertaking an adventurous programme of research to investigate the use of ultra-lightweight orbiting reflectors to enhance the output of future terrestrial solar power farms. This involves the integration of four research themes spanning Orbital Dynamics and Mission Analysis, attitude control and structural dynamics, reflector design and energy systems and economic modelling. The successful candidate will lead the SOLSPACE project research theme on Orbital Dynamics and Mission Analysis. This will involve modelling, simulation and optimisation of the orbits of solar reflectors, modelling energy flows to future large-scale terrestrial solar power farms and investigating the use of solar radiation pressure perturbations to devise new families of reflector orbits. The successful candidate will also be required to work closely with the other theme leads to ensure integration of research outputs into the wider SOLSPACE project and deliver its top-level goals. The SOLSPACE project will be embedded within the Space and Exploration Technology Group (SET) and will use the facilities of the Integrated Space and Exploration Technology Laboratory (I-SET). The SET group comprises a broad range of expertise across access to space, Orbital Dynamics, emerging space technologies, entry, descent and landing and planetary exploration technologies. The I-SET laboratory hosts a range of facilities for technology development and demonstration including a vacuum chamber, Helmholtz cage, 3D printers and a clean assembly area. Candidates should have a successful record of research accomplishment in Orbital Dynamics. For more information on the University of Glasgow’s, James Watt School of Engineering, please visit https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering/ Informal enquiries about the role are welcomed, and should be addressed to Professor Colin McInnes (Colin.McInnes@glasgow.ac.uk).   Closing date: 12 February 2024 We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.  We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.