PhD in Sensing, computing, and communications in Earth observation nanosatellite networks

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a PhD stipend in the field of Nanosatellite communication networks for Earth observation within the general study programme Wireless Communications, as per May 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The duration of the position is three years.

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.

Your work tasks

Current spaceborne Earth observation (EO) systems rely on highly sophisticated instruments on board of few large and extremely expensive spacecraft, fundamentally limiting the constellation size and, consequently, the spatial and temporal resolution of EO data. MASSIV-EO aims to overcome these limitations through foundational 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 PhD position focuses on developing analytical models and optimization methods for Earth observation satellite networks with sensing, computing, and communication capabilities. The goal is to characterize the trade-offs between sensing accuracy, computing latency, and overall network efficiency under practical constraints of nanosatellite systems, including the power supply and communication capabilities.

Your competencies

The PhD position requires a solid background in wireless communication systems, satellite communications, computer science, signal processing, or related fields. We expect a strong command of information-theoretic models for wireless communications, fundamental knowledge on computing architectures, and advanced programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, Matlab/Octave).

Experience with simulation, emulation, and modelling tools for signal processing, and machine learning techniques is considered an advantage.

We are looking for a motivated, proactive, and curious PhD candidate that enjoys working across disciplines and contributing to a shared research agenda. You should be excited about successfully combining theory and practice by developing data-driven methods and perspectives for sensing, computing, and communications engineering, and thrive in a collaborative research environment.

We value openness, initiative, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Having strong interest and passion for generating new fundamental knowledge and presenting the results in peer reviewed science journals and conferences is essential for enjoying your PhD journey.

Who we are

The successful PhD will be hired into the Connectivity Section at Aalborg University, campus Aalborg East, and affiliated to AAU’s Space Tech Center, led by the PhD supervisor, Israel Leyva-Mayorga.

Our research team at the Connectivity Section works on developing novel models and solutions for next-generation wireless communication systems, including beyond-5G and 6G, with a strong focus on satellite communications and networking.

The affiliation with AAU’s Space Tech Center will enable collaboration between the PhD and researchers on space technologies across multiple departments and faculties at AAU, as well as access to state-of-the-art simulation, emulation, and experimental facilities to collect real-life data to support their research on satellite technologies.

Israel Leyva-Mayorga is an expert on modelling and optimization of satellite communication networks, and a leading researcher on satellite edge computing and the integration of sensing, computing, and communication in satellite networks.

The work in MASSIV-EO aims to establish a first-of-its-kind unified theoretical framework for massive EO with nanosatellite/CubeSat constellations. Achieving this goal will greatly advance our leading research on the integration of sensing, computing, and communications on satellites with new fundamental communication, sensing, and computing models derived from real-world satellite data.

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

Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor's and master's degree diploma, including grades)
• Project description: A two-page project description outlining the motivation and intentions for the position is required. It should include a brief introduction to the topic, state-of-the-art, relevant techniques, and expected outcomes.
• Other relevant documents

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 assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts. Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

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.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

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). 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) (in Danish).