Job Description

Access to broadband services is often taken for granted, but to this date there are still many underserved regions, such as rural areas, that lack connectivity, thus creating a digital divide. High costs hinder remote broadband infrastructure. NewSpace-related satellite broadband may be an alternative for offering cost-effective extensive coverage. Satellite communications have the potential to provide diverse services universally, including mobile broadband in underserved regions. Making this come true is challenging due to several factors; one such factor is dealing with small handheld devices, which require the deployment of expensive large satellite antennas. A proposed solution is to use multiple nanosatellites to create a large virtual antenna array. This Ph.D. work aims to investigate computationally efficient distributed beamformers over satellite swarms for wideband signaling. The work will focus on fundamental research (equivalent to TRLs 1/2), while keeping in mind future practical applications, including broadband coverage for civil aviation, autonomous cars in underserved areas, and mobile broadband Internet in rural areas.

The host institution is ISAE-SUPAERO, member of the University of Toulouse, France. ISAESUPAERO is a public higher education and research institute focused on aerospace applications. In particular, the “Communications and Information Theory” (ComIT) research group conducts activities in digital communications, radar, channel access techniques. Applications include space systems and commercial/military aviation.

The recruited Ph.D. candidate will be offered various opportunities during her/his work: international mobility, teaching, supervision experience (internships, teaching projects, etc.), and relations with the defense and aerospace industry.

Applicants should be last-year master’s students or hold a master’s degree. A strong background in signal processing and digital communications is required, along with good programming skills, including in Matlab. Good communication skills in English are necessary (written and oral). Prior experience in satellite communications and machine learning/adaptive filtering, while optional, would be particularly appreciated.

Applications (resumé, motivation letter, name and contact of up to 3 references, and official transcripts in English or in French or in Portuguese) and informal inquiries are to be emailed to wallace.martins@isae-supaero.fr

Application deadline: 31-July-2024 or else once the position is filled

Ph.D. period: Three years, starting between September-December/2024

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