Doctoral student in Sustainable Satellite Networks

KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Stockholms kommun; On-site; SEK 312,480 - 379,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Creative and dynamic environment

Attractive benefits

Job summary

KTH Royal Institute of Technology is seeking a Doctoral Student in Sustainable Satellite Networks within the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. This role involves research on Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks, focusing on efficient, low-latency communication solutions.

Candidates should possess at least a master’s degree or equivalent and demonstrate critical skills in independent work, collaboration, and effective communication in English.

The position offers a monthly salary in accordance with KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement.

Qualifications

• Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to work independently.
• Collaboration skills are essential to engage with teammates.
• A professional demeanor is required to maintain workplace standards.
• Capability to analyze and address complex technical issues is critical.
• Effective communication in English is necessary for daily tasks.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the evolution of Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks.
• Develop architectural concepts and AI frameworks for reliable communications.
• Optimize thousands of dynamic communication nodes within networks.

Skills

Independently pursuing work

Collaborating with others

Maintaining a professional approach

Analyzing complex issues

Communicating effectively in English

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Doctoral Student in Sustainable Satellite Networks

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Third-cycle subject: Information and Communication Technology

Global connectivity relies heavily on terrestrial fiber‑optic cables, but their physical vulnerabilities, high installation costs and sustainability concerns demand a fresh approach. Space‑Air‑Ground Integrated Networks (SAGIN) offer a solution by fusing space, air and ground nodes for seamless, ubiquitous coverage. Because light travels roughly 1.5 times faster in space than through fiber cables, modern low‑Earth‑orbit (LEO) mega‑constellations can deliver low‑latency, secure and high‑capacity redundancy that rivals traditional ground networks.

In this doctoral project you will contribute to the evolution of SAGIN, focusing specifically on dual‑tier space‑ground integrated networks. The goal is to develop architectural concepts and AI frameworks needed to deliver reliable, low‑latency communications across satellite mesh networks. A core hypothesis is that automation and network‑aware coordination can overcome the vulnerabilities of manual operations, mitigating the severe impacts of orbital dynamics, space weather and altitude densification. Methods from satellite communication theory, network optimization and machine learning will play a vital role. The research is highly theoretical and algorithmic, focused on the optimization of thousands of dynamic communication nodes.

You will work at the Department of Communication Systems at the EECS school. The research is connected to the SMART 6GSAT research centre financed by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research.

Supervision: Irem Bor‑Yaliniz, Cicek Cavdar and Emil Björnson are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education the applicant must meet basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (e.g. a master’s degree),
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher‑education credits, of which at least 60 second‑cycle higher‑education credits, or
• acquired in some other way substantially equivalent knowledge inside or outside the country.

In addition, successful candidates will demonstrate the following skills:

• independently pursuing their work,
• collaborating with others,
• maintaining a professional approach,
• analyzing and working with complex issues,
• communicating effectively in English for daily work.

Employment Conditions

Only admitted postgraduate students may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not exceed the full‑time doctoral education period of four years. An employed doctoral student may, to a limited extent (maximum 20 %), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. The initial appointment is for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed for maximum two years at a time.

Monthly salary is according to KTH’s doctoral student salary agreement.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As an international technical university, we advance the transition towards a sustainable society. You will grow and develop in a creative, dynamic environment with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.