Organisation/Company UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID Department HRS4R Research Field Engineering » Communication engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 4 Nov 2026
- 23:00 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37,5 Offer Starting Date 22 Oct 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No Offer Description Development of software prototypes (MATLAB/Python) to detect radio-frequency interference (RFI) in ground receivers and LEO and GEO satellite systems.
Implementation of observable estimation techniques (array-based AoA, TDoA, FDoA, Doppler) and of localization and tracking algorithms for ground emitters and LEO satellites.
Modelling of orbital scenarios and Earth-space links (constellation geometry, link budgets, ITU-R propagation, refraction and ionospheric effects).
Simulation of validation scenarios and performance assessment (Pd/Pfa, CRLB, GDOP, Monte Carlo).
Software integration and documentation, technical notes, support to industrial verification and dissemination of results. Requirements Research Field Engineering Education Level PhD or equivalent Research Field Physics Education Level PhD or equivalent Skills/Qualifications Knowledge and experience in the following will be valued: Signal and array processing: AoA estimation (interferometry, MUSIC/ESPRIT), TDoA/FDoA (cross-ambiguity function) and Doppler frequency estimation. Emitter localization and tracking: least squares,



non-linear Kalman filters (EKF/UKF), observable fusion, Cramér-Rao bound and DOP metrics. Orbital mechanics and LEO/GEO mission and constellation design: orbit propagation (TLE/SGP4), geometry, visibility and satellite attitude effects. Earth-space propagation (troposphere, ionosphere, refraction, ITU-R models) and link budgets. RFI detection and signal characterization/classification, including machine learning algorithms. Scientific programming in MATLAB and Python, version control (Git) and implementation on programmable hardware (FPGA/SoC). Writing papers and technical documentation in English. Work experience in projects with industry and space agencies. Specific Requirements Minimum

requirements:
PhD in Engineering (Telecommunications, Aerospace or related) or in Physics, awarded before the application deadline. Proven research experience with PhD thesis and publications in: RF and antenna-array signal processing, emitter localization and geolocation, satellite communication and navigation systems. Experience in scientific programming with MATLAB and Python. English at B2 level (CEFR) or higher, evidenced by a certificate or demonstrable experience.



Languages ENGLISH Level Excellent Research Field Engineering » Communication engineeringTechnology » Space technology Years of Research Experience 1
- 4 Additional Information Joining the Microwave and Radar Group (IPTC Centre, ETSI de Telecomunicación-UPM), with a track record in radio-frequency systems, radar and signal processing. Participation in a European Space Agency project in collaboration with the space industry. Access to RF, radar and antenna laboratories, SDR equipment, computing resources and scientific software. Opportunity to publish the results and present them at international conferences. Eligibility criteria 3-member Evaluation Committee. Stages: 1) check of minimum requirements (list of admitted/excluded candidates), 2) assessment of merits (sections A-E), 3) interview (in English) for candidates scoring at least 50 points in A-E. The position may be declared vacant if no candidate reaches 60 points in total.
Scoring (max. 100):A. Education (15): suitability of the PhD and thesis for the position (12); international or European doctorate mention (3).
B. Scientific output on the position's topics (30): indexed journals (20) and international conferences (10), weighted by authorship and quality.
C. Research experience in the position's tasks (25): satellite-based emitter geolocation (AoA, TDoA, FDoA, Doppler), RFI detection, constellation design and propagation effects.
D. Technical skills (10): MATLAB/Python, orbital and propagation simulation, machine learning, FPGA/SoC.
E. Mobility and projects (5): research stays at other centres and projects with space agencies or industry.
F. Interview (15).

📌 /445 Investigador/a postdoctoral (España)
🏢 Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
📍 España