Organisation/Company Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)- BarcelonaTECH Research Field Physics Mathematics Computer science Engineering » Electrical engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Master Positions Application Deadline 24 May 2026 - 23:59 (Europe/Madrid) Country Spain Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 37.5 Offer Starting Date 1 Sep 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - MSCA Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number 101227208 Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
Project Overview
This doctoral position is part of GRAIL (\"Gamma Radiation from the Atmosphere for Investigation and Learning\"), a prestigious Horizon Europe Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Action Doctoral Network (MSCA-DN): https://grail.physik.tu-dortmund.de/
The objective of GRAIL is to study high-energy phenomena, such as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes (TGFs), thunderstorm ground enhancements (TGEs), gamma-ray glows (GRGs) and flickering gamma-ray flashes (FGFs), emitted from thunderstorms as well as their effect on nature and technology. GRAIL will conduct research into the fundamental physics of these high-energy phenomena by analyzing data from aircraft missions, conducting laboratory experiments as well as by developing and exploiting advanced simulation codes. Additionally, technological objectives include the preparation of new mission concepts as well as the development of new measurement technology. GRAIL is a multidisciplinary collaboration between 7 beneficiaries across Europe and 9 associated partners including 5 industrial partners.
The UPC-Lightning Research Group started in 2001 to investigate on Atmospheric Electricity. The group focuses on five interdisciplinary topics (1) thundercloud electrification, lightning physics, and high-energy phenomena from lightning, thunderstorms and high voltage long sparks; (2) lightning mapping including Lightning Mapping Array (eLMA: http://elma.upc.edu ) network; development of broadband VHF digital interferometers; space-based lightning detection; (3) nowcasting of severe thunderstorms; (4) lightning-ignited wildfires; and (5) lightning protection for wind turbines and aircraft.
Objectives of the Position
The main objective of this project is to investigate broadband (VHF and higher) radio emissions from lightning and other electrical breakdown processes in thunderstorms, with the ultimate goal of designing an unprecedented broadband digital interferometer (DINTF) for airborne applications. The purpose of an airborne DINTF is to locate lightning breakdown events in thunderstorms in two dimensions (azimuth and elevation), particularly those occurring simultaneously with high-energy emissions. In the first phase of the project, a broadband receiver will be designed and deployed in field experiments and high-voltage laboratory campaigns to correlate radio emissions with different lightning processes, including those associated with high-energy emissions. In the second phase, the results obtained will form the basis for the design and development of a prototype airborne DINTF. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Duke University and will support the ENLIGHTEN field campaign by deploying an interferometer onboard a stratospheric aircraft.
Objectives
* Determine broadband radio emissions from lightning and TGF measurable from aircraft platforms.
* Design of a DINTF prototype suitable for aircraft platforms.
* Validation of the DINTF prototype from field measurements of natural lightning and high voltage laboratory long sparks.
Expected Results
(1) Quantification of lightning broadband radio emissions from VHF to microwaves associated to different lightning processes;
(2) Prototype of a DINTF suitable for aircraft platforms;
(3) Study of feasibility of aircraft DINTF measurements in future ALOFT like campaigns;
* Programming of FPGA-based digital signal acquisition systems.
Specific Requirements
Knowledge:
* Electromagnetic.
* Digital signal processing.
Professional Experience:
* Experience in the development or programming of digital signal acquisition systems based on FPGAs.
* Experience in related topics such as radio interferometry for astronomy.
* Experience in radio receivers, including SDR.
* Experience in the development of scientific instruments.
* Experience in functions similar to those described will be valued, specifically in the development of research activities, both in the university and industrial environment.
Other requirements to consider:
* Availability to travel and carry out field measurements (participation in measurement campaigns)
Languages ENGLISH Level Good
Research Field PhysicsMathematicsComputer scienceEngineering » Electrical engineering Years of Research Experience 1 - 4
Additional Information
* Living allowance: €2,375.00 (x14) = €33,250
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