Postdoc in SatCom system analysis and design

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a postdoc in the field of SatCom system analysis and design as per February 15, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is available for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension.

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.

Your work tasks   
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoc candidate to join our research team focused on the development of SatCom system analysis and design. The research will focus on modelling satellite constellation simulations for Danish/Nordic Defence & Emergency services, aiming for maximum resilience. 

The Postdoc will focus on the following key research objectives:

• Create a framework for analysing and designing satellite system solutions in cases involving Danish/Nordic defence and emergency services and empirically validate current solutions in such use cases.
• Requirements for Access Link Budgets, Terminals, and Satellite Antennas: Definition and analysis access links between satellites and ground user terminals, including link budget studies. Definition of requirements and configurations for user terminals and satellite antennas, as well as evaluation of communication protocols to ensure interoperability, efficiency, and resilience in critical environments. The 5G protocol will form the basis for design, where both <6GHz (FR1) and mmWave frequencies (FR2) will be analysed.
• Analytical Modelling and Simulation: Development of constellations in different orbits and under multiple geometries for the evaluation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to visibility and connectivity in the ground sector.
• Operational Validation in Real Scenarios: Empirical evaluation of the interoperability of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks through their integration for use in emergencies scenarios.

Moreover, the Postdoc will have the following key responsibilities:

• Conduct cutting-edge research on mathematical modelling and simulation for satellite communication systems.
• Develop and validate models for access link budgets, terminals, and satellite antennas.
• Empirical evaluation of several KPIs in terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure scalability and robustness.
• Publish high-quality research papers in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences.  

Your competencies   
To be able to lift the above-mentioned objectives and responsibilities the Postdoc should have the following qualifications:

• A PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering or a related field.
• Strong background in mathematical modelling and simulation.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB or Python.
• Knowledge of satellite communication and 5G terrestrial systems.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• possess the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance level of 'TIL TJENESTEBRUG' (NATORESTRICTED, RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED) or higher during the entire employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with empirical evaluation of terrestrial and/or non-terrestrial systems.
• Knowledge related to the joint integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks for ubiquitous communications.
• Knowledge of satellite constellation design and associated parameters.
• Familiarity with modelling physical systems in the FR1 & FR2 frequency band.
• Previous leadership experience in research projects.
• Interest in defence and military technology applications.

Who we are    
The research group Dependable Wireless Communications focus on resilient and reliable real-time wireless communication technologies for a broad range of use cases including industry, defence and emergency. We offer:

• A fully funded 1-year Postdoc position with a competitive salary and research budget.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and simulation tools.
• Opportunities to collaborate with leading experts in terrestrial and non-terrestrial network technologies.
• Support for attending international conferences and workshops.
• A dynamic and inclusive research environment. ´

Qualification requirements 
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level. 

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications. Please see guidelines for teaching portfolio at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design. If this is not enclosed, the applicant must enclose the reasons for this .
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website.  

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position. 

Do you have any questions? 
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.     

Further information 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace. 

Salary and terms of employment  
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).