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Call for Applications for the Selection Process to Fill the Position of Pre-doctoral Researcher at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
The IEEC (Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia) was established in February 1996 as a private non-profit foundation (NPO) to promote R&D in the space field in Catalonia. The IEEC is a research institute that studies all areas of knowledge and technologies applied to the space sector and space sciences, including astrophysics, cosmology, planetary science, Earth observation, navigation and space engineering. Its mission is to push the frontiers of space research from the scientific and technological fields for the maximum benefit of society. It should also be noted that the Foundation is attached to the Generalitat de Catalunya (Catalan Government) and forms part of its institutional public sector due to the fact that the Generalitat has a majority participation in the Board of Trustees of the IEEC.
Introduction
The purpose of this call is the selection process of a candidate to fill a Pre-doctoral Researcher position assigned to the Earth Observation Group of the Institut d’Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC).
The research project “Software-Defined GNSS Reflectometry Real-Time Processing System” (ref: 250013/2025ES) focuses on the development of a real-time software-defined GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) receiver for Earth observation applications. The project aims to design and implement advanced signal processing algorithms for GNSS-R observations, including the processing of direct and reflected GNSS signals and the generation of complex waveforms and delay-Doppler maps.
Description of position
- Positions to be filled: 1. Call for Applications for the Selection Process to Fill the Position of Pre-doctoral Researcher at the Institute of Space Studies of Catalonia
- Professional group: III. Scientific Staff
- Professional category: Researcher in Training
- Working hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
- Workplace location: Institute of Space Sciences, Carrer de Can Magrans s/n, Campus UAB, Bellaterra, 08193, Spain
Functions
The selected candidate will have the following duties and responsibilities:
- Design and implement signal processing algorithms for software-defined real-time GNSS-R receivers.
- Contribute to the development of software-defined radio (SDR) architectures for direct and reflected GNSS signals.
- Optimize computationally demanding modules for real-time operation using approaches such as vectorization, multithreading, or GPU computing.
- Contribute to software development for raw signal acquisition, data handling, and system integration on FPGA/ARM-based platforms.
- Validate system performance using experimental GNSS-R data.
- Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Participation requirements and selection criteria
The following criteria will be assessed during the selection process:
- Education: Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Telecommunications Engineering,
Electronic Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics,
Physics, or a closely related field.
Knowledge/Experience:
* Experience in GNSS signal processing (direct and/or reflected signals).
* Proficiency in Python and C/C++ software development.
* Basic experience in embedded programming for FPGA and/or ARM platforms.
* Good command of English (B2 level or higher).
Be eligible for enrollment in a recognized PhD program and complete registration before the contract start date
The following aspects will be considered desirable merits((the total of all merits must not exceed 20 points):
- Experience with GNSS/GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) (up to 6 points)
- Experience with experimental validation using real GNSS/SDR datasets (up to 4 points)
- Knowledge of SIMD optimization and/or GPU parallel programming (CUDA, OpenCL) (up to 4 points)
- Familiarity with real-time signal processing architectures (up to 4 points)
- English Levels (2 points, e.g. B2 – 1.5 points, C1 – 2.0 points)
Contact and deadline
Interested persons who meet the established requirements can send cover letter and the personal curriculum in PDF format, signed as certification, with a brief description of the tasks carried out in the positions previously occupied, to the email address: RecursosHumans@ieec.cat indicating the reference "Surnames and Name – OF_IEEC_239_2026” in the subject line of the email.
The reception of applications ends on
Selection procedure
Initially, a verification of the requirements of participation will be carried out and a first selection of candidates will be made based on the documents contributed. Next, if necessary, the shortlisted candidates may be called to a personal interview to expand the detailed information in the curriculum and assess aspects related to professional competences.
The evaluation committee for this procedure will consist of:
- a) Principal Investigator of the project “Software-Defined GNSS Reflectometry Real-Time Processing System” at the IEEC.
- B) Senior Scientist with a scientific background and experience in the field of the IEEC project.
- c) Senior Scientist with a technical and engineering background within the framework of the IEEC.
Interested persons must have the originals of the certificates accrediting the training and work experience mentioned in the curriculum and must submit them if required.
In compliance with the LISMI (Law for the Social Integration of the Disabled), the IEEC will consider reservations for candidates who certify a disability equal to or greater than 33%, provided they are suitable for the performance of the functions to be covered.