Research Associate (PhD or Postdoc position) at Lunar & Planetary Exploration

Research Associate (PhD or Postdoc) – Lunar & Planetary Exploration

Position at the Chair of Lunar and Planetary Exploration, Technical University of Munich (TUM). The role is at level TV‑L E13 (100 % public sector pay scale) and is dedicated to the ESA‑funded Rover Permittivity Sensor (RPS). The expected starting date is February 2025, with an initial 2‑year contract and possible extension.

About the project

The RPS will accompany the Rashid‑3 rover by MBRSC (UAE) and is scheduled for launch to the Moon in 2028. The sensor suite measures electrical permittivity and temperature of lunar regolith, supporting the search for water on the Moon. Your work will focus on the infrared sensing unit that determines the surface regolith temperature.

Key responsibilities

• Develop the sensor from TRL 5 to TRL 8, including design and integration.
• Conduct tests and characterisation of the instrument in thermal‑vacuum and other relevant environments.
• Analyse scientific data and publish results.
• Contribute to project management and coordination with international partners.

Qualifications

• Excellent master’s or doctoral degree in aerospace, mechanical engineering, robotics, applied physics, planetary science, or related field.
• Practical experience with measurement techniques and experimental work on thermal‑vacuum systems.
• Experience in infrared temperature sensing (preferred).
• Proficiency in programming, numerical simulation, and data analysis.
• Strong passion and curiosity for space exploration and solar‑system science.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills in English (oral/writing).

What we offer

Cutting‑edge research at a leading European university, a collaborative team environment, opportunities to present at international conferences, and support through TUM’s Graduate Centre and Talent Factory.

Application procedure

Send your CV and relevant university and work certificates (single PDF) to . Applications are accepted until 15 December 2025.

Equal Opportunities

TUM is an equal opportunity employer and fully encourages applications from women and all others who bring diversity. Preference is given to disabled candidates with essentially the same qualifications.

Die Stelle ist für die Besetzung mit schwerbehinderten Menschen geeignet. Schwerbehinderte Bewerberinnen und Bewerber werden bei ansonsten im Wesentlichen gleicher Eignung, Befähigung und fachlicher Leistung bevorzugt eingestellt.

Data protection

As part of your application, you provide personal data to the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Please review our privacy policy (Art. 13 GDPR) at . By submitting your application you confirm you have read and understood the data protection information provided by TUM.