Fixed term contract | 14+22+12 months I Belvaux

Are you passionate about space resources? So are we! Come and join us

The European Space Resources Innovation Centre (ESRIC) is a joint initiative of the Luxembourg Space Agency (LSA), the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). ESRIC’s mission is to be an internationally recognized centre of expertise for scientific, technical, business and economic aspects related to the use of space resources for human and robotic exploration, as well as for a future in-space economy.

You’d like to contribute as a researcher? Join us!

ESRIC is conducting activities in three main areas: Research and testing facilities, Business support and incubation, and Community management.

The primary objective of ESRIC is to research, develop and improve the understanding and performance of processes enabling the utilization of space resources with an initial focus on the Moon.

To find out more about ESRIC activities: www.esric.lu

How will you contribute?

As part of a new phase of growth for ESRIC, supported by the FNR PEARL programme “Solutions for the Sustainable and Responsible Uses of Space Resources”, we are seeking a PhD Candidate to join our dynamic team. You will be a part of the team focusing on prospecting and collecting regolith. This research will complement other areas of activity currently in ESRIC, including resource characterisation, beneficiation and production of water, oxygen and metals from lunar regolith.

In this PhD project, you will combine terrestrial mineral exploration strategy with extraterrestrial prospecting strategy to design prospecting mission concepts and sampling strategies. You will review current sampling mission approaches, develop a strategy for extraterrestrial samples and design and build a regolith size classification system for the Moon or Mars. You will explore the limits of precision for separation of fine particles (e.g. <50 micron) for small samples and propose novel methods for separation of particles by size that could be used for small sample sizes on early prospecting missions. Current suggestions are often based on sieves and screens, which have significant limitations under lunar environmental conditions and with dry, abrasive particles. Possible techniques to explore in this project include vibrational segregation. You will evaluate critically potential candidate technologies and use this as a basis for your experimental system. You will use advanced imaging (e.g. XCT) and/or high speed imaging to analyse the efficiency of the system and to optimise experimental conditions. You will explore the effects of particle size and shape using idealised particle mixtures, in addition to using lunar regolith simulants. The goal of this research is to generate operating guidelines for small-scale particle size classification technology and to produce a concept that can be developed as a payload.

As a PhD student within LIST, you will have the following responsibilities:

• Follow and advance a research plan in agreement with your supervisor(s)
• Know the state of the art on the research topic of the thesis to be undertaken
• Manage the daily research work allowing you to deepen your knowledge of your research field
• Contribute to the preparation of progress reports on research for funding bodies and key stakeholders as required
• Contribute to the overall activities of ESRIC as required
• Actively collaborate with other researchers (ESRIC or external) and participate in group meetings, meetings with academic and non-academic collaborators
• Contribute to the drafting and submitting of papers to peer reviewed journals and conference proceedings
• Contribute to the creation of intellectual property rights (patents, licences, etc.)
• Prepare posters and presentations for conferences
• Present your work at local, national and international meetings with guidance and prior internal review
• Defend your thesis within the required time frame

Is your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

As to join us, you will have the following profile:

Person description

• Masters degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, Physics or Geoscience
• Experience of carrying out supervised research projects
• Experience of working in a laboratory
• Experience of building or modifying experimental systems
• Knowledge of the terrestrial resources sector is considered an advantage
• Collaborative skills, initiative, and with capacity to work in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment
• Publications and/or conference papers are considered an asset
• Excellent command of English is a requirement

What ESRIC and LIST can offer

ESRIC has an ambitious development plan over the next years, adding further partners and expanding its activities. It is at the forefront of an emerging field that will shape the future of space exploration.

Your ESRIC and LIST benefits

·         An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

·         Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

·         Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

·         An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

·         Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

·         Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

·         Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

·         Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

·         32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

·         Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Has this vacancy caught your interest?

Apply online

Your application must include:

·                A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience;

·                A scientific CV with contact details;

·                Contact details of 2 references.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

ESRIC is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

PhD additional conditions:

• Supervisor at LIST: Prof. Dr Kathryn HADLER
• Work location: Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg
• PhD enrolment: University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg

Candidates shall be available for starting their position in spring 2025. Please note the universities costs are at the charge of the student. Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to:

https://www.uni.lu/en/admissions/diploma-recognition/

https://guichet.public.lu/fr/citoyens/enseignement-formation/etudes-superieures/reconnaissance-diplomes.html