Space Research Centre Postdoctoral Research Associate

Working at Durham University  

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.  

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. 

Our Purpose and Values

We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Join Us? - Information Page

Durham University Space Research Centre (SPARC)

Durham University has established its new Durham Space Research Centre (SPARC), a £5 million hub of excellence for interdisciplinary space research, training and industrial engagement supported by Durham’s Strategic Research Fund (SRF). SPARC addresses cross-disciplinary space-related challenges to promote the responsible and sustainable use of space. The successful candidate will be a part of SPARC, collaborating with SPARC researchers and participating in relevant activities. For more information, visit https://www.durham.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/space-research-centre

The Role and Department
Dynamic and vibrant, Durham University Business School is one of Durham University’s four Faculties and is comprised of four research-intensive departments: Accounting, Economics, Finance, and Management and Marketing. Known for its global reputation, its impact on policy and practice and its strong focus on ethics, responsibility and sustainability, the school aims to be a leading European business school with a strong global presence by 2027. The department of Management and Marketing’s vision is to lead business thought and practice to improve global wealth and well-being. Our associated mission is to create, share and use knowledge to deliver equitable and sustainable futures around the world. We pursue this mission by advancing world-changing knowledge and securing global impact through collaborative research across disciplines and around the world. Management and Marketing department is part of the triple-accredited Business School, home to academics whose research is internationally renowned for intellectual rigour and for the benefits it brings to the society. We work closely with business partners around the world, sharing insights, supporting innovation, and educating tomorrow’s leaders. More details about our research, teaching, and business connections can be found on our website https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/research/.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to support Durham University’s Space Research Centre (SPARC) activities in Space Sustainability and Space Circular Economy within the Department of Management and Marketing in the Business School.

This post is fixed term for 24 months. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by September/October 2026.

The successful candidate will be supervised by Prof. Atanu Chaudhuri (Department of Management and Marketing), who is also a co-Director of SPARC, and expected to collaborate with other members of SPARC.

Project Description

Future satellites are expected to be designed for sustainability and ensure that those can be serviced and refuelled, disassembled at the end of life so that components can be recovered, reused or remanufactured. Such design decisions are influenced by regulatory interventions, funding for Space sustainability related innovations, the growing challenge of space debris, the number of operational legacy satellites which are not designed for sustainability as well as firm level legacy practices in satellite manufacturers and satellite operators. Thus, there is a need to understand the interplay between such internal and external factors which will impact design of satellites for sustainability. System dynamics modelling, agent-based simulations coupled with lifecycle analysis needs to be conducted to assess the environmental and economic impact of sustainable satellite design under dynamic external environment. Such models will form the backbone for a digital twin for satellite operations for satellites which will be designed for sustainability.   This research will seek to answer the following research questions 

a)    Under what conditions will firms find it justifiable to design for disassembly, repair, and servicing rather than launching new satellites?

b)    How can satellite manufacturers rigorously assess lifecycle impacts of alternative design configurations?

c)    Under what conditions will servicing and refuelling satellites be economically viable?

d)    How will satellite design for servicing, repair, and recyclability impact supplier selection and collaboration?

The successful candidate will work on the intersection between design engineering and operations and supply chain management and will be expected to either possesses or willing to learn methodologies such as simulation modelling, life cycle analysis as well as qualitative research methods such as interviews and prior experience related to Space Sustainability, Space Circular Economy or satellite design.

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To support on research grant writing and applications for relevant funders such as UKRI, Innovate UK, Horizon Europe
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in SPARC, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department, SPARC and wider discipline.
• To work and collaborate with the other SPARC and departmental colleagues in conducting the activities mentioned in the Role Description, and other relevant activities and events such as the organisation of the SPARC Summit, Space Leadership Programme
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.   
• To develop learning materials and conduct sessions in Space Leadership Programme and summer schools for Marie Curie Doctoral Network on Space Circular Economy.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support SPARC, the Department, the University, and wider discipline.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

This post is fixed term for 2 years as the funding is available from September 2026 to August 2028 for this fixed period only and cannot be extended or renewed. 

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University:

•   You’ll receive 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

• We offer a generous pension scheme, and as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have ample parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. You can also take advantage of our cost-effective and environmentally friendly Tusker Car Benefit Scheme, allowing you to lease a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle with savings on tax and National Insurance.

• We have a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

• We provide wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• Our on-site nursery is rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and you can access holiday camps for children aged 5-16.

• Our family-friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

• We offer all staff the opportunity to take part in volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.

• You can access exclusive discounts via our benefits portal including money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, eating out and days out at various attractions.

• Various salary sacrifice schemes are also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest-free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Discover more about our total rewards and benefits package here.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive.

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Leader status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department.  The assessment for the post will normally include [a presentation to staff in the Department and SPARC followed by an interview] and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in or around June-July 2026 

In the event that you are unable to attend in person or online on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. 

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications:

1. A good first degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials or Metallurgical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related disciplines.

2. A PhD (or be close to submission) in Space Technology, Space Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Materials or Metallurgical Engineering, Operations and Supply Chain Management or related subject, or a related subject.

Experience

3. Experience in conducting high quality academic research.

4. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly-ranked journals.

5. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national and international conferences organised by UK and European Space Agencies, International Astronautical Congress, and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

6. Experience in Space sustainability and /or satellite design.

Skills

7. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

8. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.

9. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Desirable Criteria 

Experience

• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

• A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.

• Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals.

• Experience in one or more elements of sustainable satellite design, design for circular economy, product modularity and sustainable material choice for satellites.

• Experience in life cycle analysis.

   

• Experience in systems dynamics modelling, agent-based simulations and development of digital twins.

Skills

• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. 

Contact Information 

Atanu Chaudhuri, Professor of Operations and Technology Management, Durham University Business School and Co-Director of SPARC

Email - atanu.chaudhuri@durham.ac.uk 

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.  Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk 

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process 

Email - e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk

SECONDMENT 

The post is full time, fixed term for a 2 year period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.