Job offer Fully funded PhD project under Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks "FOCAL": Software defined solutions for fully reconfigurable space-ground and inter-satellite links

This fully funded PhD position is available under the recently launched Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Networks (DN) project "FOCAL" (Free-space Optical Communications for Aerial-sateLlite networks).

• PhD position title: Software defined solutions for fully reconfigurable space-ground and inter-satellite links
• Objectives:
The aim of this PhD thesis is to design adaptive transmission schemes based on SD system architectures to develop a highly reconfigurable FSO network, offering hardware flexibility and reduced system size. Machine Learning-based methods will be developed to enable optimal link adaptability under varying channel conditions. Main Objectives include:
• Channel modelling and adaptive signalling design for LEO-OGS or LEO ISLs to optimize link availability;
• Proposing ML-based methods to enable link adaptability under varying channel/PE conditions;
• Investigating SD-based platforms and SD networking solutions to offer flexibility and reconfigurability for practical implementation of adaptive transmission techniques;
• Design of adaptive signalling techniques through adaptive modulation and coding for optimal performance under different channel conditions and addressing a wide range of channel coherence times.
• PhD supervision:
+ Archangel Lightworks, UK, + The University of Edinburgh, UK General description of the "FOCAL" MSCA DN Project : With currently 3 billion people lacking access to broadband internet worldwide, European operators are struggling to fill the white areas with insufficient or nonexistent connectivity. In light of the early promises of 6G wireless networks, it is tempting to consider non-terrestrial networks as complementary to the ground-based radio and fiber infrastructure. However, radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits and cannot be scaled further. Free-space optical technology is a natural alternative to deliver greater capacity and to better address data security needs by leveraging quantum key distribution. The first optical intersatellite links are being deployed in commercial networks at relatively low data rate (10 Gbps). However, once the most important remaining research challenges are resolved, they could rapidly expand and serve as a catalyst for the development of a new communication backbone in the sky, consisting of aerial and space optical nodes at different altitudes. The overarching aim of the FOCAL project is to train a new generation of highly qualified doctoral candidates in developing innovative aerial and space optical wireless technologies that will provide future telecommunication networks with ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, and quantum-proof security. In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding and technical know-how of such networks through co-supervised individual research projects, FOCAL will train talented and innovative researchers with multidisciplinary expertise and skills that are desirable in this European industrial sector. This will be achieved through a combination of theoretical and hands-on research training provided by a unique consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners from 8 countries, resulting in collaborative research including co-supervision and secondments, as well as transferable training skills, which is necessary for prosperous careers in this prominent R&I area.,
• Master [alternatively, the expected graduation date of Master degree] and Bachelor diplomas (in a single PDF file),
• Master and Bachelor grades' transcripts (in a single PDF file),
• Motivation letter (limited to 500 words),
• The name and contact information of two references or two recommendation letters (in a single PDF file).
  
  Master Degree or equivalent, Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field Physics » Applied physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Research Field Technology » Telecommunications technology Education Level Master Degree or equivalent Skills/Qualifications The candidates must have a MSc (or an equivalent) degree in physics, electrical, electronics, telecommunications or photonics engineering. A solid background in signal processing is an important asset. The candidate must have a very good English language proficiency (oral and written expression) and be keen for short-term stays ("secondments") in partner institutions. Languages ENGLISH

The enrollments of the Doctoral Candidates (DCs) are under very attractive employment conditions and competitive salaries offered in Marie-Curie Doctoral Networks. Eligibility criteria Candidates must also meet the following criteria: 1) be of any nationality, but must not have resided or carried out main activity in the UK, for more than 12 months in the last 36 months; 2) have not yet been awarded a PhD degree.