Doctoral student in Sustainable Satellite Networks

Role: Doctoral student in Sustainable Satellite Networks
Organization: KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Contract Type: Temporary, Full-time
Application Deadline: 2 Jul 2026 - 21:59 (UTC)

Job Overview
This doctoral project focuses on the evolution of Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks (SAGIN), specifically 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. The research addresses the vulnerabilities of terrestrial fiber-optic cables by leveraging low-Earth-orbit (LEO) mega-constellations for low-latency, secure, and high-capacity redundancy. A core hypothesis is that introducing automation and network-aware coordination can overcome the vulnerabilities of manual operations, mitigating the severe impacts of orbital dynamics, space weather, and altitude densification. The work is highly theoretical and algorithmic, focused on the optimization of thousands of dynamic communication nodes, utilizing methods from satellite communication theory, network optimization, and machine learning. The position is based at the Department of Communication Systems at the EECS school and is connected to the SMART 6GSAT research center.

Responsibilities
- Contribute to the evolution of SAGIN, focusing on dual-tier space-ground integrated networks.
- Develop architectural concepts and AI frameworks for reliable, low-latency communications across satellite mesh networks.
- Conduct highly theoretical and algorithmic research focused on the optimization of thousands of dynamic communication nodes.
- Apply methods from satellite communication theory, network optimization, and machine learning.
- Independently pursue research work while collaborating with others.
- Analyze and work with complex issues.
- Communicate effectively in English for daily work.
- Perform certain tasks within the role, such as training and administration, to a limited extent (maximum 20% of time).

Requirements and Qualifications
Admission Requirements:
- Basic eligibility for postgraduate education, defined as either:
- A passed second cycle degree (e.g., a master's degree); or
- Completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits; or
- Substantially equivalent knowledge acquired in some other way within or outside the country.
- Mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection Criteria:
- Goal-oriented and persevering in work.
- Ability to independently pursue work.
- Ability to collaborate with others.
- Professional approach.
- Ability to analyze and work with complex issues.
- Effective communication skills in English.
- Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills after qualification requirements are met.

Application Materials:
- Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (certified copies required; translations into English or Swedish if original documents are not in these languages).
- CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
- Application letter (maximum 2 pages) describing why you want to pursue research studies, your academic interests, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals.
- Representative publications or technical reports (for longer documents, provide a summary/abstract and a web link to the full text).

What They Offer
- Employment as a doctoral student with a monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
- A workplace with many employee benefits.
- Opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment at a leading international technical university.
- Good working conditions and attractive benefits.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and equal opportunities.
- Supervision by Irem Bor-Yaliniz, Cicek Cavdar, and Emil Björnson.
- Connection to the SMART 6GSAT research center financed by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research.

Contact
Emil Björnson, emilbjo@kth.se