Job Description

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors  

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, nearly 12,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, the oldest and one of the largest cooperative education programs, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals $2 billion.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at University of Cincinnati is seeking an exceptional candidate for a postdoctoral fellow position in the field of Astrodynamics and Space Robotics. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge research in the areas of space robotics, autonomous spacecraft operations, satellite on-orbit servicing, and orbital debris removal. This position involves collaborating with faculty, graduate students, and external research partners, with opportunities to publish research and present findings in scientific journals and major conferences. Since the position is funded by research a grant from the US Space Force,  only US citizens are eligible for the position. 

Essential Functions

• Conduct advanced research on topics related to space robotics and astrodynamics, including autonomous robotic systems for In-space and On-orbit Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing (ISAM and OSAM) and space logistics.
• Develop and implement control algorithms for distributed multi-agent system operations and spacecraft-based robotic manipulation.
• Perform research on spacecraft dynamics and control, including trajectory planning, spacecraft rendezvous, docking, and proximity operations.
• Utilize physics-based robotic simulation tools (e.g., Gazebo, Matlab/Simscope) and space mission analysis software (e.g., GMAT, STK) for simulating and studying spacecraft systems operations.
• Utilize hardware-in-the-loop simulation facilities to support experimental investigation of spacecraft and robotic systems operations.
• Prepare and publish high-quality research papers in peer-reviewed journals and present at professional conferences.
• Mentor and supervise graduate and undergraduate students working on space robotics.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with a focus on dynamics and control.

Additional Qualifications Considered

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science with a focus on space robotics research.
• Experience with autonomous robotics for space exploration or satellite servicing missions.
• Experience with machine learning techniques for robotic decision-making and intelligent control for tasks with high uncertainties.
• Experience with research on multi-agent collaboration and decentralized control.
• Familiar with space mission design and analysis, particularly in rendezvous, proximity and docking operations.
• Knowledge of space hardware and systems, including satellite platforms, robotic arms, sensors, and actuators for space applications.
• Strong communication and writing skills, with the ability to present complex research findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, and MATLAB for spacecraft modeling and simulation.
• Experience with simulation environments and tools used in space research (e.g., GMAT, STK, Gazebo, ROS).
• Experience with development or utilization of hardware-in-the-loop simulation-based test facilities to support spacecraft and/or robotics research.
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and conferences in the field of astrodynamics and/or space robotics.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
• Access to state-of-the-art spacecraft and robotics research facilities.
• Opportunities for professional development, including participation in national and international conferences.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. ( UC Benefits Link ) Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
• Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
• Professional development & mentorship opportunities

To learn more about why UC is a great place to work, please visit our careers page at 

UC is an E-Verify employer. If hired into this position, you will be required to provide satisfactory proof of employment eligibility by providing acceptable, original forms of identification for employment verification via the Federal I-9 employment verification process. A list of acceptable documents can be seen here: 

Important : To apply you must create a profile and submit a complete job application through the UC applicant portal. We are unable to consider “easy apply” applications submitted via other websites. For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at  [email protected]

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 99398 

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