Open Position: Assistant Researcher in Miniaturized Hall Thrusters (EP2 Team)

The Plasma and Space Propulsion Team (EP2) at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) is inviting applications for an Assistant Researcher position to work on the development and validation of Miniaturized Hall Thrusters.

Are you an Aerospace Engineer or Physicist with a passion for space propulsion? The EP2 Team is looking for a talented and proactive candidate to join the MLPLUS-CM project. This is a unique opportunity to work in a state-of-the-art environment under the supervision of Professor J. Navarro-Cavallé.

About the Role (Ref: MLPLUS-HT) The selected candidate will contribute to the development of a miniaturized low-power Hall Thruster and its neutralizer. The role involves:

• Design and development of the propulsion system.

• Experimental validation and characterization of performance.

• Investigation of main physical phenomena using advanced plasma diagnostics.

Who we are looking for We are seeking a young MSc holder (with 300 ECTS completed) with a strong academic record and critical thinking skills. Ideally, you should have a background in Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Scientific Computing, Plasma Physics, Fluid Dynamics, or Electromagnetism.

• Experience: Previous design or laboratory experience is highly desirable.

• Skills: Ability to deal independently with engineering challenges, excellent team-working skills, and proficiency in English (oral and written).

What we offer

• Contract: 1-year contract with the possibility of renewal based on performance.

• Salary: Starting annual gross salary of 27,000€ plus productivity bonuses.

• Environment: Join a dynamic, highly qualified, and collaborative team with flexible working schedules.

• Travel: Opportunities to present research at international conferences.

• Start Date: April 2026.

How to Apply Interested candidates must send their applications by email to odriva@pa.uc3m.es with the subject line: “MLPLUS-HT”.

Please attach the following documents in PDF format:

1. Motivation letter (max. 1 page) highlighting skills and research goals.

2. CV including education, work experience, and academic grade reports (class rank is valuable).

3. Contact information for up to two references.

4. Sample of best work (e.g., MSc thesis).

Application Deadline: February 25th, 2026. Note: The position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so early application is encouraged.

Applications from women and minorities are particularly encouraged.

This contract is financed with funds from the Community of Madrid through the project “Integración de Consolidación de una Plataforma de MicroSatélite y Tecnologías para Investigación Científica Espacial Avanzada” (Ref: TEC-2024/ TEC-263, Acronym: MLPLUS-CM), within the modality of programmes of R&D activities in Technologies (2024), for the encouragement and promotion of research and technology transfer at the Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.