TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, today it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university as it focuses on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world's most pressing issues. In research and academic programs, the university unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, it offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. TUD embodies a university culture that is characterized by cosmopolitanism, mutual appreciation, thriving innovation and active participation. For TUD diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who would like to commit themselves, their achievements and productivity to the success of the whole institution. At the Faculty of Mechanical Science and Engineering, Institute of Aerospace Engineering, the Chair of Space Systems offers a full-time project position as Research Associate / PhD Student (m/f/x) within the MSCA Doctoral Network SLICE (due to funding, the salary is calculated according to MSCA regulation) starting October 1, 2026. The position is limited to 36 months (max. until 12/2029). The period of employment is governed by § 2 (2) Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG). About the Individual Research Project (IRP): Problem Definition: The influence of rocket engine emissions on the atmosphere and thus the climate is directly dependent on the propagation of the engine plume along the flight path. The investigation of the temporal and spatial distribution of the exhaust gases in the atmospheric layers after the launch vehicle has passed through is therefore crucial for drawing conclusions about their climatic influence. Research Objectives: Definition of a suitable interface region based on the results from other IRP. Numerical analysis of the plume propagation in the near field of the nozzle outlet. Multiscale simulations of the downstream expansion behaviour of the engine exhaust plume for different atmospheric layers. Definition of suitable interfaces to process data for the climate models. Expected Results: Ability to assess the influence of the engine plume on the release of emissions into different atmospheric layers. Numerical model to describe the temporal and spatial dispersion behaviour of engine exhaust gases in the atmosphere. Derivation of parameters necessary for the calculation of regional atmospheric effects. Secondments: Centre Euopéen de Recherche et de Formation Avancée en Calcul Scientifique (CERFACS, Toulouse, France, ca. 4 months): interface definitions and adaptions of numerical models Institute Pierre-Simon Laplace (IPSL, Guyancourt, France, ca. 2 months): interface tuning and simulations for plume-in-grid models university degree (MSc or equivalent) in the field of aerospace engineering, physics or similar solid knowledge of Physical and Analytical Chemistry (phase changes), Computer Science and Informatics (Numerical Analysis; simulation, optimization and modelling tools; Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)), Product and Processes Engineering (Space Engineering), Condensed Matter Physics (Fluid mechanics and dynamics) and Applied Physics (atmospheric entry flows) ability to work efficiently and self-reliantly in a diverse inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural environment ability to work in a team as well as independently ability to solve complex problems with adherence of strict deadlines proactive attitude excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) in English to derive the full benefit from the network training as secondments and events are foreseen, applicants must be ready to travel Applicants must be eligible to enroll on a PhD program at TU Dresden (see https://tu-dresden.de/ing/maschinenwesen/postgraduales/promotion?set_language=en ) knowledge in EcoDesign, climate sciences and life-cycle assessments project management knowledge of the host institution language is a plus Applicants can be of any nationality. Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, but cannot receive an employment contract before having obtained the master degree. Candidates may apply to multiple positions offered within SLICE, but should carefully choose the ones that they apply for. In addition: Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (Germany) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date - unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. Horizon Europe MSCA Eligibility Criteria: Doctoral Candidates (DC) must, at the date of recruitment by the host organization, have not been awarded a doctoral degree. Applicants who do not fulfill the Mobility Rule and the Eligibility Criteria CANNOT be considered for the research position. You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences. You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium. You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact. A competitive salary plus allowances. Moreover, funding is available for technical and personal skills training and participation in international conferences. You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience. A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations. Please find additional information in the Information package for Marie Curie fellows in doctoral networks (https://op.europa.eu/s/z831).