PhD in Direct-to-Device Communication for Satellite Systems

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

The SIGCOM research group, headed by Prof. Symeon CHATZINOTAS, carries out research activities in the telecommunication and networking systems, including NTNs and quantum communication infrastructure, and is currently expanding its research activities in exploring several emerging topics of next-generation communications and computing systems. For more details, you may refer to the following: www.uni.lu/snt-en/research-groups/sigcom/

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

Your role

The successful candidate will work under the academic supervision from the University of Luxembourg, and in close collaboration with its industrial partner SES, in the theoretical and experimental aspects of C-band mobile satellite systems (MSSs) channel modelling, characterization and demonstration. In particular, the position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the development of a comprehensive channel model for the C-band direct-to-device (D2D) satellite communications in rural, semiurban and urban scenarios
• Experimentally validate and improve the developed channel model with over-the-air terrestrial and satellite test campaigns
• Carry out research in other related areas
• Disseminate results through scientific journals and 3GPP study and work item
• Present results in well-known international conferences and workshops
  
  

For further information, please contact: Dr. Jorge Querol ().

Your profile

Qualification: The candidate should possess an M.Sc./M.Eng. degree in one of the following fields: Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering or Computer Science/Engineering.

Experience: The candidate should have strong digital signal processing and mathematical backgrounds evidenced by grades and/or prior publications. Additionally, the candidate should have expertise or strong interest (evidenced by familiarity with fundamental concepts) in several of the following topics:

• Wireless, mobile and satellite communications. Background on the 3GPP 5G radio access and/or core network protocols is considered a plus
• RF and microwave engineering. Hands-on experience with software defined radios (SDRs) like USRPs is considered a plus
• Statistical signal processing
• Resource allocation and optimization of communication networks
• Antenna theory
  
  

Programming Skills: MATLAB, C/C++

Language Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required. French, German or Luxembourgish is a plus.

We offer

• 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 55 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, meal vouchers and health insurance
• 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
• Boost your career. Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities

But wait, there's more!

• Complete picture of the perks we offer
• Discover our Partnership Programme

How to apply

Applications should 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 Bachelor/Master-level courses taken
• Cover letter with motivations and topics of particular interest to the candidate (approx. 1 page)

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

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL06975

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).