How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of the nation's number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.

The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Responsibilities*

The Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering (CLaSP) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow for a unique research-to-operation (R2O) industry collaboration to develop novel, innovative techniques to detect, track, and persistently monitor non-trackable orbital debris. The successful candidate will commit to one-year (full-time, with the opportunity to extend the contract for an additional year) with Dr. Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti and Prof. Nilton Renno.

The detection of currently non-trackable orbital debris would enable safer operation of valuable government and commercial space assets. Research will focus on 1) developing novel methods to identify debris signatures, and 2) establishing techniques for the persistent monitoring of the debris distribution. To achieve these, ground-based, in-situ, experimental, and simulated data are utilized to train and test algorithms.

Required Qualifications*

Candidates must hold a Ph.D. in physics, astronomy, electrical or computer engineering, or a closely related discipline by the start of the position.

Desired Qualifications*

The eligible applicant has demonstrated experience in (a) analyzing in-situ fields and plasma measurements or remote electromagnetic radiation data, AND (b) artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML).

Additional Information

In addition to applying for the position through the job website please also submit your application including (1) a curriculum vitae, (2) a list of publications, (3) statement of the past and current research experience (up to 2 pages), (4) copies of certificates for full academic record, and (5) up to three names of references with the full contact information in a single PDF file via this Google Form: https://forms.gle/dgaTRB3GKmG7eiZ99. Please send your queries to Dr. Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti (akhavant (at) umich.edu). The application submission deadline is June 30, 2023. Review of application materials will begin June 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. The position is available immediately.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.