Senior Researcher in Satellite Systems

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NTNU is a broad-based university with a technical-scientific profile and a focus in professional education. The university is located in three cities with headquarters in Trondheim.

At NTNU, 9,000 employees and 43,000 students work to create knowledge for a better world.

You can find more information about working at NTNU and the application process here.

   

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About the Job

We have a vacancy for a senior researcher to contribute to externally funded projects at the Department of engineering cybernetics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim.

The SmallSatLab at NTNU conducts research on satellite systems, including payload development, mission design, system engineering and integration, satellite control and operations, data analysis and algorithm development for a wide range of applications in remote sensing, data communication and localization. The lab currently operates two own satellites – the HYPSO-1 and -2 – while several new concepts and payloads are under development for new satellite missions. Research is currently centered around hyperspectral imaging (instruments, data processing algorithms and applications), satellite-based maritime surveillance and security, and integrated systems-of-systems where small satellites interact closely with autonomous systems, drones and other assets and data sources for advanced observation missions.

The researcher will conduct research in externally funded projects in the areas mentioned above, and assist the SmallSatLab with developing such projects. We are looking for candidates that have a broad interest, competence and experience in the field of small satellite systems, and with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Embedded systems hardware and software; system engineering; system integration and testing; navigation and localization; hyperspectral imaging and systems; data processing; maritime surveillance. The researcher will be a key resource in project teams where he or she will interact with other researchers, industry and government agencies.

Your immediate leader is Head of department.

Duties of the position

• Research in externally funded projects, including satellite system development, software development, satellite data analysis methodology
• Operating, maintaining and upgrading the SmallSatLab’s research infrastructure
• Development of new research projects
• Publication and dissemination of research results
• Collaboration with other researchers

Required selection criteria

“Seniorforsker 1109” (senior researcher)

To meet the qualification requirements for “seniorforsker” (Norwegian Civil Service Handbook 5.7.2 § 4), research competence at the associate professor level is required.

• A doctoral degree in a relevant subject area, for example control engineering, electronic systems, aerospace engineering, remote sensing, or similar.
• Experience with development and/or operation of small satellite systems, documented by publications.
• Documented expertise in one or more of the following areas: Embedded systems hardware and software; system engineering; system integration and testing; navigation and localization; hyperspectral imaging and systems; data processing algorithms; maritime surveillance.
• Good programming skills.
• Good written and oral English and Norwegian language skills.

The research planned for the position has civilian and dual use objectives. Some of the equipment being used is subject to export regulations or other limitations such as ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), and the position requires that the applicant has permission to use such equipment. Some activities will be subject to export control regulations and some may also require security clearance. The person hired should be eligible for security clearance at level KONFIDENSIELT in Norway.

Preferred selection criteria

• Post-doctoral research experience in satellite systems.
• Experience with hardware/software/technologies used in NTNU’s SmallSatLab.

Personal characteristics

• Teamwork oriented
• Curious and open-minded
• Systematic
• Motivation to work on projects related to defence and security

We offer

• Exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• An open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• Favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• Employee benefits

Salary and conditions

As a researcher (code 1109) you are normally paid from gross NOK 600 000– NOK 750 000 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. As required by law, 2% of this salary will be deducted and paid into the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU.   

After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work. 

For the necessary professional and social interaction, it is a prerequisite that you are physically present and available to the institution on a daily basis. 

About the application

Your application and supporting documentation must be in English or Norwegian.

The attachments (including a description of your scientific work) must accompany the application as these documents form the basis of the application assessment. The documents must be in Norwegian/a Scandinavian language or English. 

Please note: the application will only be assessed on the basis of the information we have received by the application deadline. Therefore, make sure that your application clearly shows how your skills and experience meet the criteria described above. The application and all attachments must be sent electronically via Jobbnorge.no. If you are invited to an interview, you must bring certified copies of certificates and diplomas upon request.

If, for any reason, you have taken a career break or have had an atypical career and wish to disclose this in your application, the selection committee will take this into account, recognizing that the quantity of your research may be reduced as a result.

Your application must include:

• CV, diplomas, and certificates
• Academic works – published or unpublished – that you wish to be considered during assessment of your application (up to 10 items)
• A complete publication list
• Names and contact information for three relevant referees

It is important that you both document and reflect on your competence. You are encouraged to use the NTNUs competence matrix as a guide for  documentation of your competence.

Joint work will also be considered. If it is difficult to identify your specific input to a joint project, you must include evidence of your contributions. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal and interpersonal qualities. Motivation, ambitions, and potential will also count in the assessment of the candidates. Open scientific practice will be recognized.

NTNU is obliged by the evaluation criteria for research quality in accordance with The San Fransisco Declaration on Research Assessment – DORA and The obligations in the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment ( CoARA) on responsible assessment of research and recognition of a wider range of academic contributions to science and society. This means that we will pay particular attention to the quality and academic range demonstrated by your scientific work to date. We will also pay attention to research leadership and participation in research projects. Your scientific work from the last five years will be given the most weight.

Your application will be considered by a committee at the department. Candidates of interest will be invited to an interview.

General information

Diversity is a strength, and at NTNU we aim to be an employer that reflects the diversity in society and that makes use of the potential of the population's collective skills. Our vision is Knowledge for a better world and our values ​​are creative, critical, constructive and respectful. We believe that an organization that is equal, diverse, and gender-balanced is essential for us to achieve our goals.   

We strive to attract employees with different skills, life experiences and perspectives to contribute to even better problem solving of our societal mission in research and education.  

If you think this position is relevant and interesting, we encourage you to apply, regardless of gender, functional ability, and cultural background, or whether you have been out of work for a period of time. 

At NTNU we want to increase the proportion of women in scientific positions. We have a number of measures to promote equality. 

As an employee at NTNU, you must continually maintain and improve your professional development and be flexible regarding any organizational changes.

A public list of applicants with name, age, job title and municipality of residence is prepared after the application deadline. If you want to reserve yourself from entry on the public applicant list, this must be justified. Assessment will be made in accordance with current legislation. You will be notified if the reservation is not accepted.

For the sake of transparency, candidates will be given expert evaluations of their own and other candidates. As an applicant you are considered part of the process and are stipulated by rules of confidentiality. 

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact Head of Department Lars Struen Imsland, e-mail lars.imsland@ntnu.no 

If you have questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact rekrutteringsteam@ie.ntnu.no 

Application deadline: 07.06.2026.

The city of Trondheim is a modern European city with a rich cultural scene. Trondheim is the innovation capital of Norway with a population of 200,000. The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world. Professional subsidized day-care for children is easily available. Furthermore, Trondheim offers great opportunities for education (including international schools) and possibilities to enjoy nature, culture and family life and has low crime rates and clean air quality.