PhD Spaceborne Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry

at  Springer Nature

PHD SPACEBORNE GLOBAL NAVIGATION SATELLITE SYSTEM REFLECTOMETRY

Employer
University of Luxembourg
Location
Luxembourg
Salary
Negotiable
Closing date
6 Jun 2024
Discipline
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics
Job Type
PhD Position
Employment - Hours
Full time
Duration
Fixed term
Qualification
Masters
Sector
Academia

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• Job Details
• Company

GNSS-R SATELLITE EARTH OBSERVATION (GLITTER)

The Geophysics and remote Sensing (GRS) Laboratory is dedicated to addressing critical issues such as climate dynamic, sea level variability, and geodynamics. Primary objectives include satellite geodesy of new remote sensing applications and the acquisition of reliable geodetic measurements to monitor environmental changes. I Addressing critical challenges facing our planet, such as resource exploration, natural hazard monitoring and mitigation, and climate change adaptation, is paramount. Furthermore, research extends to space-borne GNSS-R for soil moisture assessment, surface water mapping, and grazing angle GNSS-R for sea-ice studies.
The University of Luxembourg is seeking to hire a highly motivated and outstanding researcher in the area of space-borne GNSS-R to join the GRS Laboratory, under the supervision of Dr. Sajad Tabibi. We welcome individuals driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The GNSS-R Satellite Earth Observation (GLITTER) project harnesses the power of GNSS-R (Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry) for advanced Earth observation. This technique uses the reflections of GNSS signals off various surfaces-land, sea, and ice-to monitor environmental conditions. Our ambitious goal is to pioneer a new generation of experts capable of making significant advancements in this field through doctoral level education and research. At the heart of GLITTER is the development of a synchronized constellation of CubeSats, offering a cost-effective yet powerful approach to Earth observation. This innovative system allows for enhanced resolution and data accuracy through advanced beamforming techniques. Essential to our methodology are ground-truth data and calibration methods derived from near-field radar technology, which will enable comprehensive research across all facets of GNSS-R technology. This includes the launching and adjustment of CubeSat formations, RF synchronization, interferometry between moving platforms, and calibration of RF front-ends, alongside ground testing with drones and CubeSat systems, on-board processing, data transfer, and analysis. The project’s scope extends beyond GNSS-R technology to potentially revolutionize fields that use interferometry, like radio astronomy and phased-array-based communications. Moreover, GLITTER aims to support various industry sectors, including precision agriculture, forestry, and land and sea management, by providing accurate data essential for climate change.

DOCTORAL CANDIDATE #5 - PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME:

GNSS Reflectometry (GNSS-R) is an innovative remote sensing method that exploits signals from GNSS after reflection from the Earth’s surface. The doctoral candidate will investigate dual-frequency phase measurements during grazing-angle GNSS-R events. In this context, the successful candidate will develop algorithms to precisely determine altimetric height over sea ice and to understand sea ice classification with adequate accuracy and precision. Additionally, this project aims to develop an accurate algorithm for neutral atmospheric delay correction for spaceborne GNSS-R. As part of the GRS Laboratory, the PhD candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of cutting-edge deep learning techniques for space-borne GNSS-R studies. Hosted by UL with a 6-month secondment at CSIC in Barcelona, Spain, and Hydroscan in Belgium, this program is designed to equip the candidate with the necessary skills for high-impact research in Earth observation.