PhD Position Application of Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment

Advance planetary mission radio science with Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment (PRIDE) Doppler/VLBI data: open-source analyses in orbit estimation and ephemeris improvement.

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to strengthen the scientific exploitation of PRIDE (Planetary Radio Interferometry and Doppler Experiment) observations by developing and applying open, reproducible analysis pipelines for deep-space mission tracking. You will be embedded in the PRIDE collaboration and contribute directly to enhancing the scientific return of past, current, and upcoming planetary missions, including the Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE).

A core element of the position is the use and extension of the TU Delft Astrodynamics Toolbox (Tudat) open-source astrodynamics toolbox for state estimation and orbit/parameter determination, enabling rigorous fusion of PRIDE observables with conventional radiometric tracking data. Your work will bridge radio data analysis, planetary science, and software development, and will directly contribute to improving the accuracy, traceability, and accessibility of advanced orbit determination methods for the broader community.

Key responsibilities

• Process, calibrate, and characterize PRIDE open-loop Doppler and phase-referenced VLBI observables.
• Implement, validate, and document workflows to integrate PRIDE data into least-squares orbit determination and parameter estimation using Tudat, with an emphasis on transparency and reproducibility.
• Analyze combinations of PRIDE and classical radio science data for missions such as Mars Express, Venus Express, Juno, and JUICE, aiming to improve reconstructed spacecraft trajectories and enable higher-quality science products.
• Contribute to extending Tudat’s capabilities for PRIDE-relevant use cases (e.g., tracking observable handling, interfaces, estimation settings, and automated validation).
• Deliver high-quality, FAIR research outputs: curated datasets, clear documentation, peer-reviewed publications, and open-source software that can be reused by both the PRIDE collaboration and the wider astrodynamics and radio-science communities.

Job requirements

• A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Astronomy or similar.
• Strong software engineering skills in Python.
• Strong background and research experience in astrodynamics/orbit determination and numerical methods.
• Experience in usage of PRIDE data is a strong plus; experience in usage of radio science data is a plus.
• Experience in the usage and development of Tudat is a strong plus; experience in usage and development of Tudat or a similar tool is required.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary, open-source environment.

About TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design.

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is a leading international community where innovation in aerospace meets global challenges.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.