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PhD Position in Resilient LEO Satellite Communications and 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks Aalborg University in Denmark
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Electrical Engineering
Funding
This is a full-time, three-year PhD stipend position governed by Danish state academic employment agreements and the collective agreement for academics, including the protocol for PhD fellows. Salary and salary composition follow the applicable PhD fellow terms and the university's recruitment salary overview. The position starts on 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Deadline
Nov 12, 2026
Country
Denmark
University
Aalborg University
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About this position
Aalborg University is offering a three-year PhD position in resilient LEO satellite communications and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) within the Wireless Communications PhD programme. The project is part of the Satcom4Defence research and innovation initiative, which develops resilient low-Earth-orbit satellite communication systems for defence-related and other critical societal applications.
The PhD researcher will investigate how to improve the robustness and reliability of LEO satellite communications, with particular emphasis on 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). Research topics include modelling interference and jamming, analysing vulnerabilities, and developing techniques that maintain communication under intentional or accidental interference. The project will also address robust handover and mobility management between satellites and beams, beam selection, beam tracking and beam switching under changing coverage and interference conditions.
A central theme is system resilience: understanding the interaction between the radio layer, mobility management and network protocols so that communications can continue during disturbances and partial system failures. The work will combine theoretical analysis, mathematical modelling, simulation and, where feasible, experimental validation using relevant hardware and software platforms. System evaluation will cover 5G NTN technologies and protocols, with possible links to radio resource management, Software Defined Radio and experimental wireless systems.
The researcher will join the Dependable Wireless Communications group within the Wireless Communication Networks section at Aalborg University's Department of Electronic Systems. The group develops robust and dual-use communication technologies for defence, emergency response and other critical applications, working with Danish and international research and industry partners. The section provides expertise in communication theory, protocol design and system implementation, as well as laboratory infrastructure and experimental platforms, including an Internet of Things Living Lab.
The position offers an international research environment involving publications, conference participation, collaboration with project partners, teaching and project supervision. The PhD community at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design provides access to doctoral courses, seminars and research networking, within Aalborg University's problem-based and project-organised research culture.
Funding details
This is a full-time, three-year PhD stipend position governed by Danish state academic employment agreements and the collective agreement for academics, including the protocol for PhD fellows. Salary and salary composition follow the applicable PhD fellow terms and the university's recruitment salary overview. The position starts on 1 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter.
What's required
Applicants must have a master's degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications, wireless communications or a related technical field. They should have a strong theoretical foundation in radio and digital communications, good understanding of radio channels, link budgets, modulation, coding and interference, and skills in mathematical modelling, analysis and simulation. Experience with MATLAB, Python or equivalent tools is expected. Useful additional experience includes satellite communications, LEO systems, 5G NTN, mobility management, handover, beam management, interference modelling, jamming resilience, radio resource management, communication protocols, system simulation, Software Defined Radio or experimental radio systems. Applicants should work analytically and systematically, collaborate independently and in teams, have good written and spoken English, and be motivated to publish and present internationally. Appointment requires eligibility for NATO security clearance at TIL TJENESTEBRUG/NATO RESTRICTED, RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED or higher throughout the employment period. The appointment also requires enrolment as a PhD student at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design PhD School.
How to apply
Submit the application through Aalborg University's recruitment system via the vacancy page. Include an application explaining your motivation and qualifications, a CV, bachelor's and master's degree certificates with grades, and other relevant documentation.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.