Postdoctoral position in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Department of Astronomy, Earth Physics, and Meteorology invites applications for a postdoctoral position
Job Information
Organisation/Company: Comenius University
Department: Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Research Field: Physics » Astronomy and Astrophysics
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)
Positions: Postdoc Positions
Application Deadline: 14 Jun 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Bratislava)
Country: Slovakia
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 37,5
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
Postdoc in Space Debris Attitude Determination Domain
The candidate will join the Space Debris Research group of the Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Comenius University Bratislava. The group focuses on the artificial space objects characterization applying astronomical methods of photometry and spectroscopy. Our work is conducted using space debris research focused 0.7-m AGO70 telescope located at the Astronomical and Geophysical Observatory in Modra-Piesok (AGO) equipped with scientific CCD camera, photometric filters and spectrographs.
The open position is related to attitude states estimation of high-risk upper stages and investigation of their rotation states changes over time. Work will also involve planning, coordination and in limited manner also data acquisition and reduction of objects of interest utilizing the 0.7-m AGO70 telescope and subcontracted Slovak robotic telescope network.
Tasks:
Task 1 – Identification of the most critical upper rocket stages in low Earth orbit and other orbital regimes in the context of potential active debris removal (ADR) missions and to improve the accuracy of predicting the atmospheric re-entry of these bodies into Earth’s atmosphere.
Task 2 – Data collection and reduction, and computation of the rotational states of the most critical upper stages in low Earth orbit and other orbital regions using available methods (e.g. Vananti et al., 2023, Hrobár et al., 2026), considering the presence of rotation-axis precession movement.
Task 3 – Investigation of time variations in the rotational states of rocket stages to assess their future attitude states.
Task 4 – Publication(s) of the results in international peer-reviewed journal(s).
Where to apply
E-mail: jiri.silha@fmph.uniba.sk
Requirements
Research Field: Physics
Education Level: PhD or equivalent
Languages: ENGLISH
Level: Good
Additional Information
Benefits
- Research in an internationally active space debris group.
- Access to astronomical facilities and equipment.
- Publication support and international collaboration.
- Affordable university accommodation available.
Eligibility criteria
In accordance with the internal regulations of Comenius University, applicants must:
- hold a PhD degree,
- have successfully defended their PhD. no more than 3 years prior to the decision on awarding the postdoctoral fellowship (10 July 2026),
Selection process
Applicants should submit:
- CV with publication list,
- motivation letter,
- contact details of at least one referee.
Contact person:
Mgr. Jiří Šilha, PhD.
Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics
Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics
Comenius University in Bratislava
Slovakia