Postdoc in 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks & Signal Processing

About us

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 successful candidate will join the Signal Processing and Communications (SIGCOM) research group at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) and contribute to research activities in next-generation satellite communication and positioning systems.

The research will focus on the physical layer and signal processing aspects of 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), with particular emphasis on positioning, synchronization, receiver design, and the integration of satellite communications and Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) functionalities.

Your role

• Conduct cutting-edge research on 5G/6G NTN positioning and satellite-based PNT, with particular emphasis on LEO satellite systems
• Develop signal processing and estimation algorithms for positioning, synchronization, acquisition and tracking in high-dynamics satellite scenarios
• Design, implement and evaluate receiver algorithms using reference and communication signals, including Time of Arrival (ToA), Time Difference of Arrival (TDoA), Doppler-based measurements and hybrid positioning techniques
• Investigate the impact of satellite dynamics, Doppler, synchronization errors, propagation effects, interference and satellite geometry on positioning and receiver performance
• Investigate GNSS-5G/6G coexistence, hybrid GNSS/NTN positioning and resilient PNT techniques.
• Develop and maintain simulation and experimental platforms for the evaluation of satellite communication and positioning algorithms, with a strong emphasis on MATLAB-based physical-layer simulations and receiver implementations
• Validate developed algorithms using simulated signals and, where applicable, real RF/IQ measurements and software-defined radio platforms
• Contribute to ongoing national, European and industry-funded research projects, including technical developments, experimental activities, project deliverables and interactions with project partners
• Disseminate research results through publications in leading peer-reviewed journals and international conferences
• Contribute to the supervision of PhD, Master and internship students and support their research activities
• Contribute to the preparation of research proposals and the development of new research activities in satellite communications, positioning and 6G NTN

Your profile

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications Engineering, Signal Processing, Satellite Communications, Navigation/Positioning, or a closely related field
• Strong background in digital signal processing and wireless communication systems, with a solid mathematical foundation
• Research experience in at least one of the following areas:
  • GNSS, satellite navigation or Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT)
  • 5G/6G physical-layer signal processing
  • Wireless positioning and localization
  • Synchronization, acquisition and tracking
  • Communication receiver design and implementation
• Good understanding of physical-layer communication systems, including waveform generation, synchronization, channel effects, frequency/Doppler estimation and receiver signal processing
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB and demonstrated experience in implementing communication, navigation or signal-processing algorithms
• Experience with MATLAB 5G Toolbox, Satellite Communications Toolbox, or equivalent simulation environments is considered an advantage
• Experience with software-defined radio (SDR), RF/IQ signal processing, experimental receiver development or laboratory validation is highly desirable
• Knowledge of 5G NR and 3GPP NTN specifications, particularly physical-layer and positioning aspects, is considered an advantage
• Experience with GNSS receiver algorithms, ranging techniques, Doppler positioning, ToA/TDoA/FDoA, or hybrid positioning is considered an advantage
• Programming experience in Python, C/C++ or related languages is an asset
• A proven publication record in relevant peer-reviewed journals and international conferences is considered an advantage
• Previous participation in European, national or industry-funded research projects is desirable
• Language skills : Excellent knowledge of English are required. Good working nowledge of French, German or Luxembourgish is considered an asset

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae, including academic background, research and/or professional experience, technical/programming skills and a complete list of publications if applicable
• Cover letter detailing your motivation for applying to the advertised research topic and/or project, including how your background, interests, and career goals align with its objective
• PhD diploma or a letter/information indicating the expected defense date
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• List of publications
• Names, contact information and current position of 2 referees who can, upon request, provide an assessment of the application. Please indicate their relationship to you

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 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08504

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 87306 (full time).