Who are we looking for?
Accurate and resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities are becoming a critical infrastructure for modern society, underpinning applications ranging from autonomous systems and critical transportation to telecommunications and scientific services. At the same time, emerging technologies, including multi-frequency multi-constellation GNSS, software‑defined radio (SDR) receivers, 5G positioning, and the exploitation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite signals, open new opportunities to enhance robustness, availability, and accuracy. The Navigation & Positioning (N&P) and the Space and Resilient Communications and Systems (SRCOM) research units are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to conduct research in satellite‑based navigation and 5G positioning techniques, focusing on Robust and Secure GNSS Receivers, Advanced SDR Architectures for Multi‑Frequency Navigation, and Opportunistic Navigation Using LEO Satellite Signals.
What do we offer?
* Four‑year predoctoral contract
* Annual gross salary according to the EPIF (RD 103/2019) and CTTC salary tables for predoctoral researchers R1
* Full‑time contract: 7.5 h/day with flexibility
* Expected professional category: R1
* Prospect start date: June 2026
* Continuous training, access to lab facilities, state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure, polyvalent working spaces, participation in scientific events and R&D projects, complementary skills development
* Enrolment in a PhD program (PhD fees paid by CTTC)
* Benefits:
o Paid time off: vacation (33 working days per year), holidays, sick and parental leave and more
o Up to 3 days of telework per week (2 fixed + 1 upon request)
o Flexible working hours for work‑life balance
Qualifications and Experience
* Highly motivated, enthusiastic, and energetic individual aiming to significantly improve career prospects in both public and private sectors; successful applicant will have competencies of the R1 category and will be considered predoctoral research staff in training.
* Required qualification/skills/experience:
o Master’s degree in Telecom, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related program that provides subsequent access to a PhD program according to Spanish legal regulations.
o No prior PhD title.
o Professional category will be based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant according with CTTC professional categories procedure (https://www.cttc.cat/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/).
* Other skills that are valuable, but not mandatory:
o Strong competencies in signal processing, communications and/or GNSS, with good mathematical skills.
o Knowledge of cellular mobile communications and 3GPP technologies.
o Experience using lab equipment for testing and validation.
o Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, and C++.
o Experience with SDR frameworks such as GNU Radio or GNSS‑SDR.
o Experience with system‑on‑chip FPGA platforms.
o Background in signal detection and tracking.
o Background in antenna array processing.
o Strong oral and written English communication skills.
* Even if you do not meet all the technical requirements, we encourage you to apply.
* The candidates’ past performance and future potential will also be considered as a selection criterion for researchers.
CTTC offers and promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applicants regardless of age, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
The CTTC seeks to increase the presence of women in areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages them to apply.
It is also committed to increasing the number of people with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages their applications.
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