PhD scholarship in High Performance Non-Cooperative Vision-based Target Detection and Tracking - DTU Space

The Measurement and Instrumentation Section (MIS) at the department DTU-Space, is researching instrumentation solutions for spacecraft, and is world leading in autonomous optical navigation and guidance sensors. MIS has designed, built, verified, delivered, and launched more than 100 spaceflight instruments. MIS is presently working on technologies for the next generation of space exploration spacecraft worldwide, and we invite you to take part in this endeavour. 

Responsibilities and qualifications
The field of research to be covered by this study is centred on the field on optical navigation instrumentation assisted with other peripheral sensory inputs. Emphasis is on ensuring high performing solutions enabling robust autonomous operation with formal dependability. The core field to be studied is robust detection and tracking techniques in the rugged environs encountered in space. 

The successful candidate will join a highly skilled and professional research team working on several of the world’s most advanced space missions with our international partners. This work requires a high level of commitment and team spirit, in return of which the candidate will directly work with the world’s leading scientists within the field, and on some of the world’s largest and most important exploration missions. If this field interest you, and you would like to be part of a research team defining the future of this technology, you may be our new graduate student, the work of which will encompass:

• Participation in researching new space mission opportunities
• Participation in the design of novel electro-optical instrumentation
• Independent research in algorithm design and implementation for electro-optic instrumentation
• Research in vision based non-cooperative operations
• Mentoring and tutoring of BSc and MSc students within the field

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Furthermore, it is recommended to have the following profile experience: 

• A master’s degree in electronical engineering or Earth and Space Physics and Engineering will be preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with image processing and embedded programming
• Experience with space navigation instruments is highly desired
• Experience with in-flight operations and processes is desired
• Independent, self-efficient and agile work habit is desirable

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be performed by the electro-optical design team at the department.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor David Arge Klevang at Measurement and Instrumentation Group, DTU Space, 4525 3609, email [email protected] , 

You can read more about DTU Space  at www.space.dtu.dk/ 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 April 2025 (23:59 Danish time) .

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Space has about 180 employees, an annual turn-over of about 150 MDKK and it is located at the Lyngby Campus of the Technical University of Denmark together with 19 other institutes within the technical sciences. As the National Space Institute, DTU Space is the leading institution of public space activities in Denmark. The mission of the Institute is to conduct research, development, public sector consultancy, education and innovation at the highest international level within the following areas: Space Technology & Instrumentation, Earth Observation & Geoscience and Space- & Astrophysics.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.