PhD Stipend in Semantic GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) for Scalable Real-Time Earth Observation

Your work tasks

The PhD project is a part of the research project “SATELLITE CONSTELLATIONS FOR MASSIVE EARTH OBSERVATION (MASSIV-EO)” funded by the Technical Faculty of IT and Design of Aalborg University. The purpose of MASSIV-EO is to research on architectures and methods for the real-time delivery of EO data from dense nanosatellite/CubeSat constellations and to develop innovative GNSS-based sensing methods and AI models to detect a variety of Earth surface processes. This aim is pursued through a collaboration between the Department of Sustainability and Planning and Department of Electronic Systems.

The topic of this PhD position is to explore GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS R) as a novel, low cost, low power bistatic remote sensing technique optimized for nanosatellite platforms. GNSS R leverages signals of opportunity from existing global navigation satellite systems to retrieve key geophysical parameters, offering a viable pathway toward high density, high resolution Earth observation.

The core research problem of this position is to determine whether GNSS R, when deployed on CubeSat platforms, can produce reliable, scientifically meaningful, and operationally useful geophysical measurements at temporal and spatial resolutions that surpass those of existing EO systems, while operating within the strict mass, power, and processing constraints of nanosatellites. Addressing this problem requires new methodologies for instrument design, signal processing, calibration, error characterization, and constellation level data integration.

Profile:

The ideal candidate has:

• MSc degree in Geodesy, Remote Sensing, Civil Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, or a comparable discipline. The MSc degree must be equivalent with the Danish MSc degree to qualify (which is 2 years);
• Profound skills in numerical modelling and programming are essential;
• Experience with at least two of the following disciplines is desirable:
• GNSS signal processing
• AI and data science
• Satellite geodetic and/or Earth Observation (EO) data processing;
• Strong interest in collaborative work;
• Passionate to present the results in highly ranked peer reviewed scientific journals and at international conferences;
• Good English skills (oral and written) are required.

We offer:

• International, interdisciplinary working environment;
• In-house modelling, data processing and data assimilation expertise, software, and High Performance Computation (HPC) infrastructure;
• Excellent scientific infrastructure;
• Participation in project meetings and international conferences;
• Flexible working hours and various opportunities to reconcile work and family life.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1124 of September 19, 2025 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time. As part of the PhD study, you are among other things required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain experience with teaching or other forms of knowledge dissemination and complete an external research stay outside of Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign research institution.

How to apply

Please send the following documents (in English unless indicated, pdf format):

• Motivation letter (max 1 page) outlining your qualifications and motivation to conduct the PhD project;
• Project plan (max 2 pages) addressing your understanding of the project’s problem and expected challenges, as well as your ideas to overcome them;
• CV including a list of scientific outputs (thesis, study projects, papers, etc.) and contact info for two academic references (they will be contacted after shortlisting);
• Copy of MSc diploma*;
• Copy of Master thesis (in any language);
• List of exams with ECTS and grades.documents

*If you haven’t completed your Master studies at time of submission, please substitute the MSc diploma with a written statement by your supervisor specifying the expected completion date and confirming that you are expected to finish on time and send the most recent draft of your thesis.

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