PhD Researcher: Event-Based GNSS Receivers for Ultra-Low-Power Positioning (fixed-term) Universitat Oberta de Catalunya in Spain

The Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC) is offering a PhD Researcher position in the Wireless Networks (WiNe) research group at UOC-TECH, the Research Centre in Ethical Technologies and Connectivity for Humanity. The project focuses on Event-Based GNSS Receivers for Ultra-Low-Power Positioning, an interdisciplinary doctoral topic at the intersection of GNSS and satellite navigation, statistical signal processing, estimation theory, RF receiver design, event-based sensing, neuromorphic computing, analog and mixed-signal processing, embedded systems, and low-power architectures.

This PhD investigates a fundamentally new approach to GNSS reception: instead of continuously sampling signals at high rate, the receiver will generate and process sparse, information-bearing events. The aim is to determine how much of the GNSS waveform must be represented to achieve reliable synchronization, tracking, and Position, Velocity and Time (PVT) estimation while substantially reducing computation, data movement, latency, and energy consumption. The work combines theory, algorithm development, simulation, SDR experimentation, and potentially hardware prototyping.

The doctoral researcher will explore topics such as sparse and event-driven representations of GNSS signals, acquisition and tracking methods, asynchronous statistical inference, filtering, event-derived observables for navigation, robust PVT estimation, learning-based event representations, and mappings to analog, mixed-signal, neuromorphic, or other low-power computing platforms. The position is designed for candidates who enjoy both theoretical and experimental research and want to develop expertise across signal processing, wireless systems, machine learning, and embedded low-power systems.

Eligibility highlights: the expected background is a Master's degree or equivalent in engineering, computer science, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field, with strong foundations in signal processing, probability/statistics, estimation/inference, and programming (Python, MATLAB, and/or C/C++). Experience with GNSS, SDR, RF/analog systems, embedded systems, FPGA, or neuromorphic computing is welcome but not required. English proficiency is required. The successful candidate must enrol in a doctoral programme before the contract begins.

Funding and contract: the position is a full-time predoctoral contract for three years, starting in January 2027. The posting indicates funding through project PID2025-169739OB-C33 supported by MICIU/AEI and references an EU programme source.

Application window: applications close on 6 November 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Madrid). Applicants should register in the UOC application portal and submit a CV, academic records, and motivation letter, addressing the fit with the project and relevant technical experience.

Supervision/contact: Prof. Xavier Vilajosana and Dr. Guillem Boquet are listed as contact points for the application materials.