Doctoral Candidate (PhD student) in System Optimization of Large Satellite Constellations

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) invites applications from highly motivated PhD candidates in the general area of wireless communication and network optimization within its SIGCOM research group. SnT carries out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services, often in collaboration with industrial, governmental or international partners. For further information, you may refer to www.securityandtrust.lu

The SIGCOM research group is headed by Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas and Prof. Björn Ottersten. The team focuses on signal processing for satellite/wireless communications/networking and radar applications.  The research on communications focuses on the formulation, modelling, design, and analysis of future communication networks (beyond 5G) that are capable of supporting new services in a cost efficient manner. In the B5G domain, SIGCOM addresses large antenna systems, multiuser MIMO systems, Non orthogonal Multiple Access, radio resource management, mmWave beamforming, physical layer security, full duplex systems, wireless power transfer, software defined networking and network automation. In the satellite domain, SIGCOM addresses transceiver design, onboard processing, active antennas, multi-beam processing, optical communications, localization, spectrum monitoring and network performance optimization. The analysis is based on traditional statistical and optimization methods, as well as learning-assisted approaches for offline training and operational system monitoring/control. The communication activities are supported by CommLab, which exploits Software Defined Radios for fast prototyping and demonstration. For further information, you may refer to https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/sigcom

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

Your Role

This is a fully funded position within the national project MEGALEO: “Self-Organized Lower Earth Orbit Mega-Constellations”, whose Principal Investigator is Prof. Chatzinotas. Therefore, the objectives of the PhD project are defined in accordance to the project directions, and also aligned with the new trends of non-geostationary satellite constellations. More information on the MEGALEO project can be found in:  https://wwwfr.uni.lu/snt/research/sigcom/projects/megaleo

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the national project MEGALEO: “Self-Organized Lower Earth Orbit Mega-Constellations”
• Carry out research in the predefined areas
• Disseminate results through scientific publications
• Present results in well-known international conferences and workshops

Your Profile

Qualification: The candidate should possess a Master degree.

Experience: The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and experience in a number  of the following topics:

• Radio resource allocation / Radio resource management (e.g. power allocation, frequency assignment, scheduling, etc)
• Array signal processing and beamforming
• Optimization techniques and tools
• Background in general wireless communications
• Knowledge of satellite communications is highly desirable but not mandatory
• Knowledge of terrestrial wireless radio resource optimization techniques is considered an advantage
• Programming skills in MATLAB are required
• Programming skills with any satellite orbit emulator (e.g. AGI STK) would be a plus

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Here’s what awaits you at SnT

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, health insurance and subsidised living and eating
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

But wait, there’s more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme
• Download the brochure: Why choose SnT for your PhD?

Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities.

In Short

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL03856

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38.028,96 (full time)

How to apply

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Full CV, including:
  • For each degree received or currently enrolled in, provide the degree, institution name, institution city and country, and date (or expected date) of graduation. Include the title and short summary of your final (Bachelor / Master) Thesis if you did one
  • List of publications (if any)
  • Name, affiliation and contact details of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Cover letter with motivations (approx. 1 page)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

About the University of Luxembourg

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

Further information

For further information, please contact us at eva.lagunas@uni.lu