PhD Stipend in GNSS Reflectometry for Nanosatellite Earth Observation (MASSIV-EO Project) Aalborg University in Denmark

The Department of Sustainability and Planning (PLAN) at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University, invites applications for a PhD stipend within the general study programme Planning and Development. The position is part of the MASSIV-EO research project, which focuses on satellite constellations for massive Earth observation. The project aims to develop architectures and methods for real-time delivery of Earth Observation (EO) data from dense nanosatellite/CubeSat constellations, and to advance GNSS-based sensing methods and AI models for detecting a variety of Earth surface processes.

The PhD topic centers on GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS R) as a novel, low-cost, low-power remote sensing technique optimized for nanosatellite platforms. GNSS R utilizes signals from global navigation satellite systems to retrieve geophysical parameters, enabling high-density, high-resolution Earth observation. The research will investigate whether GNSS R, when deployed on CubeSat platforms, can produce reliable and operationally useful geophysical measurements at superior temporal and spatial resolutions, while adhering to the strict mass, power, and processing constraints of nanosatellites. The project will require new methodologies for instrument design, signal processing, calibration, error characterization, and constellation-level data integration.

The ideal candidate will have an MSc degree in Geodesy, Remote Sensing, Civil Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science/Engineering, or a related discipline, equivalent to the Danish MSc (2 years). Essential skills include numerical modelling and programming, with desirable experience in GNSS signal processing, AI and data science, and satellite geodetic or EO data processing. Strong collaborative skills and proficiency in English (oral and written) are required. The PhD stipend is for 3 years, with enrollment at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design. The position offers an international, interdisciplinary environment, access to high-performance computation infrastructure, participation in project meetings and conferences, and flexible working hours.

As part of the PhD, students must complete courses totaling 30 ECTS, gain teaching or knowledge dissemination experience, and undertake an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months) at a foreign institution. Salary and employment terms follow the Danish AC collective agreement. The workplace will be in Aalborg or Copenhagen, and diversity is a core value at Aalborg University.

To apply, submit your application online via the university's recruitment system, including a motivation letter, project plan, CV with scientific outputs and references, MSc diploma or supervisor statement, Master thesis, and exam list with ECTS and grades. For scientific questions, contact Professor Ehsan Forootan ([email protected]). For practical issues, contact Lisbeth Diinhoff ([email protected]). The application deadline is 31 July 2026.

For more information about the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design, visit www.phd.tech.aau.dk. The application link is here.