Post-doc: Thermite materials for satellite demise strategies: experimental radiation stress tests
Expected start date: Jan 7th 2026 (approx.)
Duration: 20 months
Application deadline: Oct 31st 2025
Location: Laboratoire Hubert Curien, Saint-Etienne, France
Note: All employment at the Hubert Curien Laboratory is decided on the sole basis of qualifications, competence, integrity and organizational need. All are encouraged to apply to job openings regardless of their origin, identity, health, beliefs and orientations.
The position is offered within the framework of the THREAD project - Thermite Reactions Assisting Satellite Demise - funded under HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDER. By exploiting localized exothermic reactions, the project proposes an innovative solution to the challenge posed by the growing number of decommissioned satellites returning to Earth and surviving re-entry, resulting in safety risks and environmental concerns on the ground.
For further information on the THREAD project, you can consult the following pages:
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101186901
Prerequisites:
We are looking for candidates who meet the following criteria:
- PhD in physics, engineering, materials science, chemistry or space science.
- Interest in practical work to run experiments.
- Flexible attitude and adaptability towards the operation of experimental settings.
- Positive attitude towards a multidisciplinary environment with multiple collaborators.
- Good knowledge of the English language (oral and writing)
- Available to travel for project meetings, conferences, visits to other laboratories.
The following additions would be a great asset:
- Specific background in radiation physics, materials science or space disciplines.
- Experience with Monte Carlo simulation tools such as PHITS, FLUKA, Geant4, OMERE.
- Knowledge of the space radiation environment and/or design for satellites re-entry strategy.
- Experience with programs such as Matlab, C++.
- Knowledge of French language
Download the detailed offer here
Information and application:
Applicants should send the following documents:
- A complete CV;
- A cover letter;
- A copy of a valid ID document (ID card, passport…)
- directly to Prof. Matteo Ferrari matteo.ferrari @ univ-st-etienne.fr :