Manifold Research Group tackles ambitious, high-impact research problems that traditional institutions overlook—those too engineering-intensive for academia and too exploratory for industry. Inspired by coordinated research models like ARPAs and FROs, we assemble focused, cross-functional teams to systematically pursue and deliver paradigm-shifting science and technology.
Modular Space Systems Assembly
Develop novel autonomous guidance and control algorithms for robotic assembly of modular structures in orbit, enabling efficient, adaptable space infrastructure. Your work will help lay foundations for programmable matter and decentralized robotic swarms in space. More information on this project is available here.
The Role
OS Team members form the core of Manifold Research Group. As an OS Research Fellow, you'll actively drive our ambitious projects—from initial roadmapping and technical implementation to writing impactful papers.
In this project, you'll be working on:
- Developing guidance and control algorithms for autonomous assembly of modular space structures by free-flying robotic agents.
- Creating scalable, computationally efficient path-planning methods for electromagnetic pivoting modular spacecraft.
- Exploring novel decentralized and swarm-based methods for space systems assembly, paving the way towards programmable matter and large-scale autonomous structures.
- Conducting simulation-based validation and theoretical analysis to demonstrate and iterate your algorithms, ultimately leading to impactful research publications.
Qualifications
Outstanding research emerges from driven, talented minds. For this project, we are looking for the following attributes:
- Demonstrated prior research experience, evidenced by published work in peer-reviewed conferences, journals, or recognized preprint platforms.
- Strong proficiency in Python, particularly with optimization frameworks and solvers such as Gurobi, CasADi, or CVXPY.
- Basic knowledge of linear algebra, graph theory, and optimization methods, with familiarity applying these to real-world research problems.
- Basic understanding of orbital mechanics and astrodynamics, sufficient to work effectively on space systems-related problems.
Expectations
There are a few key expectations and clarifications we need to emphasize regarding the OS Research Team:
- Contribute approximately 10 hours per week to ensure meaningful progress and deep engagement with our projects. Flexibility around life commitments is understood; clear, proactive communication helps us support each other.
- Our working language is English, and a strong proficiency is required to clearly communicate technical concepts without confusion or misunderstanding.
- This is a volunteer effort; none of us receive compensation of any kind—including monetary payment, academic credit, or other formal incentives. Our commitment is driven entirely by shared passion for impactful research.
More information on OS Research Team expectations is available here.
We look forward to seeing your application, and hopefully working together soon!