Start Date: April to August 2015 (by negotiation)
Duration of award: 3 years 
Supervisors: Dr. Stephen Hobbs – Head of Space Group, SATM

Sponsored by Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £13,863 p.a.* (tax free) plus fees for three years

Radar imaging by satellite is a powerful method of observing the Earth.  Radar imaging from geosynchronous orbit (GEO) has gathered growing interest and promises significant advances to complement low Earth orbit (LEO) imaging.  These systems can simultaneously image the ground surface and atmosphere and have the potential for major innovations in Earth observation.  Cranfield is one of the leading teams developing mission concepts for radar imaging from GEO and collaborates with teams in Europe and China.  We are recruiting a full-time research student to continue this research, with particular interests in system design, precise orbit determination and simulation.  Research areas include precise orbit determination / modeling, system simulation and data assimilation for various applications.

Cranfield’s Space Research Centre is a leading European centre for space system engineering.  We are building payloads for current missions such as TechDemoSat and ESEO, and teach the MSc in Astronautics and Space Engineering.  The successful student will be expected to participate in the Group’s activities as well as his/her own research project and there are opportunities for travel overseas.

Students with interests in space system design and with good numerical skills (simulation, analysis) are invited to apply for this fully funded post.  The studentship covers full EU fees and a maintenance bursary based on EPSRC rates (currently £ 13,863 pa) for EU students; non-EU students are eligible for a maintenance grant and partial fee bursary and must show evidence of matching funding.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline, such as mathematics, or engineering. The ideal candidate will have some understanding of space engineering, systems and / or simulation. The candidate should be self-motivated, have good numeracy and communication skills and be interested in space technology.

Funding:

*Fees and a maintenance bursary at the current EPSRC rate are provided with this award (subject to satisfactory progress).

How to apply:

For further information please contact: Dr. Stephen Hobbs, T: (0) 1234 750111 Ext: 5121

To apply formally and if you believe you are eligible to apply for this research studentship, please complete the online application form Ref: CRAN1043

Further information about Cranfield University’s Space Group is available at www.cranfieldspace.org or contact us:

School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing
T: 44 (0)1234 758008
E: enquiries<στο>cranfield.ac.uk