Research Assistant in Astrodynamics

About us

UCL is a diverse global community of world-class academics, students, industry links, external partners, and alumni. Our powerful collective of individuals and institutions work together to explore new possibilities. Academic excellence is demonstrated by our 30 Nobel laureates and our top ranking in the UK for research strength. We are a global university with 14,300 employees and over 150 nationalities represented in a student body of 43,800 students. Our main location in Central London has recently been augmented by a campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The UCL Faculty of Engineering is the largest of its kind in the UK, ranked as the second most impactful engineering faculty in Europe and first for Research Strength in the Research Excellence Framework. Within Engineering, the UCL Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering is a multidisciplinary department renowned for innovation and excellence in research and teaching. We are ranked in the Top 50 worldwide for civil and structural engineering according to the 2021 QS World University and Subject rankings.

About the role

The post holder will work within a team of eight people (three research assistants, three academics and two PhD students) as part of a European Space Agency project to develop orbit determination and time synchronisation methods for the Generation II OneWeb satellite constellation.

• Design, development and testing of space vehicle flight dynamics models
• Software development and testing for the astrodynamics-specific components of the project, including: model partial derivatives, inputs to the state transition matrices, and incorporation of the dynamic models into the system integrator.

About you

MSc/MEng or studying towards a PhD in astrodynamics, aeronautical engineering or related discipline. Knowledge and experience and research interest in subjects intersecting spacecraft flight dynamics, orbit determination, orbit prediction and space technology. The ability to write and test software in C++ and Python. The ability to write technical and mathematical documentation. The ability to work as part of a team.

• A Master's (MSc/MEng) in Astrodynamics, Aeronautical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong knowledge, experience, and research interest in areas at the intersection of spacecraft flight dynamics, orbit determination, orbit prediction and space technology.
• Proficiency in writing and testing software using C++ and Python.
• Ability to produce clear and precise technical and mathematical documentation.
• Strong teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the early-stage design and development of a cutting-edge space system, working directly with system operators and the European Space Agency. The project focuses on two rapidly evolving domains: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication systems (mega-constellations) and LEO Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT).

The salary for this role is (£38,607 - £41,255). Salary on appointment is subject to experience.

This is a fixed-term role until 30th of June 2026 in the first instance.

Individuals must be cleared and have the right to work in the UK by the 1st of May 2025 to commence the role .

What we offer

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/rewards-and-benefits to find out more.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

More about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here : https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/

Customer advert reference: B04-05944