Pre-doc on the integration of IoT technologies in satellite constellations

The Space Communications Research Group is investigating different research lines related to the deployment of satellite networks. In particular, the development of new communication protocols to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in satellite constellations becomes one of the main research topics of the group. 

Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) is becoming one of the relevant IoT technologies that is being extended in different domains. Its application in satellite systems is currently being discussed. These systems can provide global coverage and ubiquitous services to terrestrial devices. One of the main challenges that needs to be tackled is the intermittent connectivity. In particular, the connection between ground devices and satellites is characterized by temporal and intermittent contacts that challenges the deployment of this technology.

This intermittent connectivity forced to develop specific solutions. This environment is more relevant in interconnected satellite constellations, also known as satellite networks. These networks are composed of satellites that are able to communicate between them. The contacts between satellites are also intermittent and temporal, posing relevant challenges in the definition of routes composed of satellites.

The candidate will investigate in this novel trend of NB-IoT in satellite networks. For this reason, the candidate shall review and understand current technologies that address this challenge, and extend it with novel approaches. It is expected to develop solutions that could be deployed in future satellite missions.

As a summary, the tasks associated to this job are the following ones:

- Review the state of the art related to satellite networks, NB-IoT satellites, and 5G core networks

- Investigate in novel technologies to coordinate information among satellites

- Investigate in novel technologies in routing protocols for satellite networks

- Design and implement these novel concepts to be deployed in satellite missions

- Publish the research results in conferences and Q1/Q2 journals 

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a CERCA centre with the vision of leading the challenge of designing and building the digital society of the future based on research and innovation in advanced digital technologies. Highlighting the generation of talent and in order to generate economic and social impact, i2CAT wants to turn Catalonia into a creative, empowered and innovative society, where knowledge and digital technology are at the service of people, promoting:

- The generation of excellence knowledge aimed at solving the challenges of companies, citizens and public administration (mission-driven research).
- The collaboration and establishment of synergies with other agents of the local ecosystem of research and digital innovation to co-develop solutions and products that generate a transformative impact.
- The digital empowerment of citizens through digital, open, participatory social innovation with territorial capillarity.
- The leadership of pioneering initiatives and tractors that increase the international projection and visibility of Catalonia as a digital and innovative country.

i2CAT is a constantly growing organization that has extensive experience in the leadership and development of research and innovation projects at national and international level in the technological fields of 5G, Internet of Things (IoT), virtual and immersive technologies, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Space Communications and digital society technologies.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage!  (http://www.i2cat.net/)

 What do we offer:

• You will be part of a multicultural team. We have a fun loving and friendly international work environment.
• Be in contact and work with cutting-edge technology
• Work in challenging R&D projects
• Fix + variable salary
• Option of flexible retribution (restaurant card, transport card, medical insurance, kindergarten)
• Flexible working schedule - We know you have a life outside of work and we will work with you to make sure it's kept that way
• Fridays afternoon off
• Intensive work schedule in July & August
• Home-office option
• Open space office in Barcelona
• Free fruit every week
• Discounted Gym-access
• 25 vacation days per year
• Casual dress code
• Let us know which trainings you need
• You will have the opportunity to attend tech conferences and events.

The i2CAT Foundation seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and, therefore explicitly, encourages women to apply.

The i2CAT Foundation seeks to increase the number of persons with disabilities among its workforce, and therefore explicitly encourages this collective to apply.