European Space Agency Research Assistant 2025

You will contribute to the European Space Agency project “Robust Real-Time Constrained Optimal Control using Machine Learning” working with Dr Kevin Worrall and Dr Matteo Ceriotti, in collaboration with industrial partner Craft Prospect Ltd.

The role

This project is an exciting opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research aiming to demonstrate the effective use of Machine Learning (ML) for the robust optimal control of space systems. The objective of this project is to leverage recent advancements in ML and embedded optimization to develop a methodology for optimal spacecraft motion planning and control that is both computationally efficient to be deployed on space hardware and can handle known modelling uncertainties, navigation errors and stochastic disturbances by design.

The capabilities of the novel motion planning technology will be demonstrated in simulation on challenging benchmark use cases relevant for current and upcoming space missions where the ML-enhanced trajectory planning and optimal control methods can bring the most added benefit. Examples of such mission scenarios include autonomous precision landing, guided atmospheric re-entry, spacecraft rendezvous, in-orbit servicing and proximity operations. The computational performance and reliability of the machine-learning-based motion planner will also be verified on flight representative computing hardware.

The outcomes will be supported by comprehensive documentation, describing the design, use and verification of the solutions and simulator.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main duties and responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

• Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
• Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
• Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
• Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together

Knowledge and qualifications

Essential

• SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent
• Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of spacecraft dynamics and modelling, machine learning techniques, computer programming
• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism

Desirable

• An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent

Skills

Essential

• Ability to model the dynamics of complex space systems, such as rigid spacecraft, robotic manipulators, flexible structures and multi-body interactions.
• Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
• Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
• Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
• Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
• Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Desirable

• Ability of using one of the existing Machine Learning frameworks.
• Ability to program in MATLAB and/or Python.

Experience

Essential

• Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher
• Experience in dynamics and modelling of space systems
• Experience of scientific writing
• Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
• Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

Desirable

• Experience of using an advanced physics simulation tool, such as MuJoCo or equivalent.
• Experience with Machine Learning.
• Experience with optimisation theory and tools.
• Experience with embedded and/or real-time programming.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 months

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.