Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mission Autonomy for in-Orbit Satellite Servicing (usyd)

Job Description

• Full time, fixed term for 16 months  

• Collaborate with researchers and key industry partners in space and robotics

• Base Salary $101K - $112 + 17% superannuation 

About the opportunity

We are seeking an innovative and skilled Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in research and development of Mission Autonomy for In-Orbit Satellite Servicing.

The aim of our project is to research and develop mission-oriented algorithms that will provide high-level guidance and on-board autonomy for real-time in-orbit servicing. The real-time nature of this problem is critical as in-orbit servicing needs to deal with a disruptive environment characterised by the changing relative motion of the target spacecraft with respect to service spacecraft, potentially unknown future actions of the target spacecraft, changing light conditions and newly identified features on the target spacecraft, and other environmental phenomena.

This role is part of a collaborative SmartSat CRC project joining leaders from Australia’s space industry with premier academics in space and robotics. Industry partners include Abyss, ANT61, Space Machines, Aerospace, and Spiral Blue. This position offers the potential for extension beyond its initial duration, contingent on performance and funding availability.

The role will be supervised by Prof Salah Sukkarieh. Working within the Australian Centre for Robotics (ACFR), you will be part of a pioneering team addressing the dynamic and challenging environment of in-orbit satellite servicing.

Key Responsibilities:

• research and develop satellite orbit trajectory optimisation algorithms

• research and develop algorithms for high-level mission guidance and autonomous decision-making in real-time

• develop real-time on-board planning using stochastic optimisation techniques, allowing for continuous mission plan adjustments within a temporal sliding window

• collaborate with project academics, engineers, and PhD students in conceptualising, developing, and implementing these autonomy solutions

• support the integration of these algorithms into satellite testbed control systems, enhancing their efficacy under varied and unpredictable conditions

• contribute to the creation of a demonstrator system that showcases your research and the collaborative project efforts

• engage in project report preparation, dissemination at top international conferences and journals, and participate in internal workshops and presentations.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Mission Autonomy for In-Orbit Satellite Servicing who has:

• recently completed, or about to complete, a PhD in Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. (Note this is an early career role)

• a strong background in algorithms, especially related to real-time/applied stochastic optimisation and/or autonomous systems trajectory optimisation

• experience with programming languages such as C, C++, Python, and/or MATLAB

• strong organisational skills to manage multiple objectives and coordinate project tasks

• excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of working effectively in a collaborative setting

Prior experience with satellite orbit mechanics, orbit determination, and orbit trajectory analysis will be highly regarded.  

To keep our community safe, please be aware of our COVID safety precautions which form our conditions of entry for all staff, students and visitors coming to campus.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values include diversity and inclusion and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community which reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this commitment through our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page.  

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au  

Please note that the University is closed down for the seasonal break from Friday 22 December 2023. Staff return on Monday 8 January 2024.

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The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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