Vacant job

Electrification and digitalization are among the largest areas for transformation towards sustainable societies in the future.

Uppsala University (https://www.uu.se/institution/elektroteknik/) conducts successful research and education in these areas – including renewable energy sources and electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication, and wireless sensor networks, as well as research and education in Life Science, health technology, smart electronic sensors, and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international environment with about 150 employees contributing to important technical energy and health solutions at the Ångström Laboratory.

The position will be located at the Department of Solid State Electronics, at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Research Project

The EU-funded POWERSAT project aims to capture microwave waste losses from satellite antennas' emissions and convert them into a DC source. POWERSAT will also investigate how the unused solar infrared (IR) spectrum can be utilized by introducing an innovative THz (10-400 THz) energy recovery platform that complements the functionality of solar cells. The project will deliver a unique solar-microwave hybrid system that uses rectifying antennas (rectennas) to collect a significant portion of the sun's IR radiation as well as the waste electrical field emitted by satellite communication in four key frequency bands: C-band (4-8 GHz), X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz), Ku-band (12-18 GHz), and K-band (18-27 GHz). The collected energy will be used to power energy-efficient embedded satellite electronics components, including low-noise amplifiers, sensors, and oscillators. Additionally, antennas designed for energy recovery can also support efficient, energy-saving inter-satellite links (ISL) in satellite constellations, where multiple satellites fly in coordinated formations.

We offer a varied and exciting job that is shaped by the PhD student and the research group together. The PhD student will be supervised by at least two supervisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering also offers salary supplements for employment as a PhD student at the department.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct electromagnetic design of antenna arrays for various frequency bands, including up to THz frequencies.
• Investigate new concepts for energy recovery using antennas and antenna arrays.
• Build demonstrators of the proposed antenna solution.
• Perform antenna measurements of beamforming and beam steering in an anechoic chamber.
• Project follow-up and reporting.
• Publication of several highly ranked journal articles is expected during the project's duration.

The job responsibilities may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of the working time.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a master's degree, in Physics or Electrical Engineering.
• Previous experience in the field of Electromagnetic Fields and Antenna Theory as well as proficiency in using full-wave solvers such as HFSS and CST is considered essential, along with proven experimental work in antenna measurements.
• Very good knowledge of English, both spoken and written.
• We place great emphasis on your personal qualities, such as good collaboration and communication skills with other researchers. You should be goal-oriented, structured, and able to work effectively both individually and in a group.

Meritorious

We are looking for competent and enthusiastic applicants with a strong interest in microwave technology and antenna arrays for SATCOM applications. The project includes travel for research and participation in conferences, and details are available upon request. Excellent academic performance, as reflected in grades. Candidates should be capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and at Higher Education Ordinance (https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=3).

Application Procedure

Apply via the link below. The application should include a letter briefly describing yourself and your research interests. The application should also include a CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, thesis, and any other documents you wish to submit. We ask that you provide details of references.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date according to agreement. Location: Uppsala

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Dragos Dancila, +4672/366 31 80. Email: dragos.dancila@angstrom.uu.se.

Welcome with your application no later than March 31, 2025. UFV-PA 2025/704

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.