Assistant Professor in Space Systems Engineering

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently employ 1,900 staff and have 18,700 students.

In the coming years, billions of SEK will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We offer a wide range of educational programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope that you will help us build the sustainable companies and communities of the future.

Northern Sweden is a European space region with multiple stakeholders collaborating for the development of space technology and science in space. Luleå University of Technology (LTU) offers space research and education, the Institute of Space Physics (IRF) focuses on research related to space plasma and instrument development, and the EISCAT scientific organization conducts radar observations of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) with its facilities at Esrange provides services and infrastructure for access to space.

The Department of Systems and Space Engineering, where the university has consolidated research and education in space technology, control engineering, data and systems science, is now seeking assistant professors who can contribute to our growing activities. The job placement is at the Department of Space Engineering in Kiruna. The department offers several master's programs in space science and space engineering. We conduct research in the fields of atmospheric science and space systems engineering. The group for space systems engineering focuses on payloads, spacecraft, and launch vehicles for exploring the upper atmosphere, orbits, and planets. The research and teaching conducted are supported by high-quality infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to propulsion systems for rockets, nanosatellites, asteroid technology, and space avionics.

Subject Description

Space systems engineering encompasses systems for control, guidance, instrumentation, and communication in the upper atmosphere and space. Of particular importance are reliable electronic systems with low power consumption, radiation resistance, and miniaturization of these.

Project Description

As part of a project funded by the Swedish National Space Agency and Space Sweden North, you will join an academic team working closely with industry partners to further develop Sweden's space sector in research, development, and testing of spacecraft avionics, onboard data processing, and its applications for nanosatellite missions.

Job Responsibilities

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will participate in research on spacecraft avionics – particularly regarding onboard data processing and nanosatellite missions. You will be involved in teaching courses offered in the field of space systems at both undergraduate and graduate levels, supervising master's students and doctoral candidates, as well as working on grant applications to initiate new project-based research directions related to the research conducted in the field of space systems engineering. The applicant is expected to participate in the group's collective development of the research and education area and collaborate with research groups both within the department, the university, and with other universities, colleges, and other external parties, both nationally and internationally.

Qualifications

To be eligible, you must have a PhD or equivalent foreign degree in space science or another subject, with a primary focus on propulsion systems for rockets (liquid fuel or hybrid engines). Preference should be given to those who have obtained their doctorate no more than three years before the application deadline. Evaluation will be based on the applicant's research, teaching, and industrial projects. Emphasis will be placed on qualities relevant to contributing to the future development of propulsion systems for rockets at Luleå University of Technology, regarding both research and teaching. As an applicant, you should have good communication skills. You must be able to express yourself in English at an advanced level, both written and spoken, to present and publish research results internationally.

Information

This position is for a full-time appointment for two years. Work location: Kiruna. Expected start date by agreement.

For further information, please contact the department head Victoria Barabash, 0980-67 532, [email protected] or professor in space systems engineering René Laufer, 0980-67 582 [email protected]

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected]
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected]

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Please label your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates should be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: February 15, 2026
Reference number: 331-2026