Israel Leyva-Mayorga

The Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University invites applications for a PhD stipend in nanosatellite communication networks for Earth observation, within the Wireless Communications study programme. The position starts May 15, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, and lasts three years. Aalborg University is internationally recognized for its research and education in electronic engineering, with a strong focus on societal impact and collaboration with industry. The Department of Electronic Systems employs over 200 staff, including 90 PhD students, and offers a vibrant, diverse research environment supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and lab facilities. This PhD project is part of the MASSIV-EO initiative, which aims to advance Earth observation by developing architectures and methods for real-time EO data delivery from dense nanosatellite and CubeSat constellations. The research will focus on analytical modeling and optimization of satellite networks with integrated sensing, computing, and communication capabilities. The goal is to characterize trade-offs between sensing accuracy, computing latency, and network efficiency, considering practical constraints such as power supply and communication limitations inherent to nanosatellite systems. Innovative GNSS-based sensing methods and AI models will be developed to detect various Earth surface processes. The successful candidate will join the Connectivity Section at Aalborg University, Aalborg East campus, and be affiliated with AAU’s Space Tech Center, led by Associate Professor Israel Leyva-Mayorga. The research team specializes in next-generation wireless communication systems, including beyond-5G and 6G, with a strong emphasis on satellite communications and networking. The Space Tech Center offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and access to advanced simulation, emulation, and experimental facilities for satellite technology research. Applicants must have a solid background in wireless communication systems, satellite communications, computer science, signal processing, or related fields. Essential qualifications include proficiency in information-theoretic models for wireless communications, knowledge of computing architectures, and advanced programming skills (Python, C++, Matlab/Octave). Experience with simulation, emulation, and modeling tools for signal processing and machine learning is advantageous. The ideal candidate is motivated, proactive, and enjoys working across disciplines, contributing to a collaborative research agenda. Openness, initiative, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team are valued. A passion for generating new knowledge and publishing in peer-reviewed journals and conferences is essential. PhD stipends are allocated to individuals holding a Master's degree. Enrollment in the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design is required, in accordance with Danish Ministerial regulations. The PhD study includes completion of courses (30 ECTS), teaching or knowledge dissemination experience, and an external research stay (preferably 3-6 months at a foreign institution). Salary and employment terms follow the AC collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state. To apply, submit your application via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. Required documents include a motivation statement, CV, diplomas (bachelor's and master's), a two-page project description, and other relevant materials. The university values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds. Shortlisting will be applied, and all applicants will be informed of their status. For questions, contact Associate Professor Israel Leyva-Mayorga or Lisbeth Diinhoff. For more information about the department, visit www.es.aau.dk . Application link: Apply here .

PhD stipend at Aalborg University in the AI:GeoComm Lab for AI-based satellite communications and weather prediction . The project sits within the university’s AI:X initiative and is hosted at the Technical Faculty of IT & Design , in collaboration between the Department of Electronic Systems and the Department of Sustainability and Planning . The research is highly interdisciplinary and combines computer science , earth science , electrical engineering , statistics , and physics . The PhD will focus on developing AI models that integrate real-time satellite communication signals, GNSS-based atmospheric observations, and numerical weather prediction outputs. Topics include data fusion, feature extraction, baseline machine learning methods such as gradient boosting, deep learning architectures, and benchmark comparisons with operational meteorological models. The work is closely connected to geodesy, atmospheric science, remote sensing, and telecommunications. The position is based in the Geodesy Group , which works on satellite-based Earth observation and atmospheric modelling. The group provides access to in-house satellite, GNSS, and atmospheric products, making it a strong environment for research on weather forecasting and communication-system reliability, especially for Denmark and Greenland. Eligibility: applicants must hold a Master’s degree . Candidates with strong backgrounds in either AI/data science or GNSS-based atmospheric sensing, microwave remote sensing, atmospheric sciences, or geophysics are encouraged to apply. The project expects willingness to build complementary skills in numerical modelling, AI/ML, and scientific programming (Python, TensorFlow, scikit-learn). Funding and duration: the position is a 3-year PhD stipend , full-time, with salary and terms according to the Danish AC collective agreement. The post includes standard PhD obligations such as coursework (30 ECTS), teaching or knowledge dissemination, and an external research stay abroad, preferably 3–6 months. Deadline: 2026-05-26. The stipend is available from 15 August 2026 or soon thereafter. How to apply: submit an application with a motivation letter, CV, bachelor’s and master’s diplomas with grades, a two-page project description, and other relevant documents. Apply through Aalborg University’s recruitment system via the job advertisement.

Aalborg University is advertising a Postdoc in AI-powered on-board semantic Earth observation data compression at the Department of Electronic Systems and the Space Tech Center . This is an interdisciplinary research position at the intersection of electrical engineering , computer science , mathematics , statistics , satellite communications , remote sensing , Earth observation , geodesy , and artificial intelligence . The project focuses on characterizing trade-offs between instrument accuracy, spatial resolution, update frequency, and data volume in satellite-based Earth observation, with special attention to Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry , nanosatellite and CubeSat constellations, and semantic compression for on-board processing. The successful candidate will develop information-theoretic and AI models, design semantic communication schemes, and validate methods on real Earth observation datasets in collaboration with domain experts. The role also includes proposal writing and preparation of new funding applications. Eligibility: a completed PhD in electrical engineering, telecommunications, computer science, applied mathematics, data science, or a closely related field; experience with information-theoretic modelling, programming, data analysis, and statistics; documented publications in international journals/conferences; and English at C1 level or above. Familiarity with satellite communications, remote sensing, Earth observation, or AI/ML is desirable. Employment: full-time for 2 years with the possibility of extension. The position is expected to start around 1 August 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. Deadline: 12 June 2026. How to apply: submit the application through Aalborg University’s recruitment system with the required documents: application letter, CV, diplomas, publication list, teaching/dissemination qualifications if relevant, additional qualifications, and references.