Director of Research area Space Communications

The Space Communications Research Group of the i2CAT Foundation investigates novel communications technologies for satellite systems with the basis to merge 5G technologies and Earth Observation applications.

The area focuses its research in four research pillars:

1) NTN-mMTC: This research line contributes to the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) concept, presented by 3GPP. The developments conducted in this line are focused to enable the deployment of NTN for IoT use cases, in which sensors (deployed in remote areas) directly connect to satellites. This paradigm is also known as Direct-to-Satellite IoT, and becomes an essential approach to conceive EO missions with another perspective. Specifically, the integration of IoT sensors/devices to boost EO satellite missions will enable them to monitor geo-information, as well as support traditional satellites designed with EO instruments. 

2) SDNoSat: This research line contributes to integrating Software Defined Network (SDN) technologies in satellite systems. This integration would perceive the space infrastructure (i.e. the satellites) as in-orbit hardware systems with resources that can be allocated to deploy multiple satellite networks. This deployment would be achieved by accurately distributing the network controllers depending on communications metrics (e.g. latency) and constellation status. Developments in ground and space segments shall be conducted to achieve this vision. 

3) SatNet: This research line contributes to the development of communications protocols and Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) devices to interconnect heterogeneous satellites from different constellations. Multiple missions are envisioned that deploy large satellite constellations, making the space an environment with different constellations that can be interconnected as a potential “Internet of Satellites”. Currently, all the ISL developments have followed custom approaches, depending on the constellation architecture. Novel technologies that integrate heterogeneity in their design shall be developed to achieve this vision.

4) QSat: This research line contributes to the integration of Quantum protocols with satellite communications. Specifically, the combination of this technology could enhance current communications with novel features and capabilities. This research line is executed only by the leader, because it is currently evaluating different technologies and planning future developments.

The successful candidate is expected to coordinate the members of the group, conduct the different active projects, apply for novel funding opportunities with proposals, and disseminate the achieved results. The candidate will conduct the following tasks:

(1) Coordinate a team of engineers and PhD 

(2) Investigate in the different research lines

(3) Compose proposals and apply them to public funding programmes (e.g. Horizon Europe)

(4) Conduct the active projects achieving the associated milestones

(5) Disseminate the results in scientific publications and conferences

Who we are:

The i2CAT Foundation is a non-profit research and innovation center that promotes mission-driven R&D activities on advanced Internet architectures, applications, and services. More than 15 years of international research define our expertise in the fields of 5G, IoT, VR, and Immersive Technologies, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, AI, and Digital Social Innovation. The center partners with companies, public administration, academia, and end-users to leverage this knowledge in order to meet real social and business challenges.

The greatest value of i2CAT is the talent of the people who make up our human team. We enjoy a team of people from more than 13 different nationalities and work every day to create and foster a work environment where we all feel comfortable creating, innovating and growing.

Want to know more? Visit our webpage! www.i2cat.net

What do we offer?

• Work from our offices or from home, whichever works best for you. We ask for two days in person at the office to coordinate with the rest of the team.
• This is a full-time vacancy
• We have a flexible work schedule respecting your work-life balance
• Reduced working hours on Fridays and in July and August
• Fix + variable salary
• Optional benefits: Travel pass, restaurant vouchers, nursery services support, medical insurance
• Annual leave of 25 working days (the usual 22 + 3 additional ones)
• Discount for the UPC gym
• We have fruit in the office to promote a healthy lifestyle
• If you are interested, you can participate in events of your sector.
• You will work with a laptop. You can choose your operative system, Mac, Linux or Windows.
• You can develop your own and personal training programme with our support
• We will work so that you have a career plan to promote your growth and development.

Where will you do it?

At i2CAT we already have an established ‘work-from-home’ policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We expect that you attend the office two days per week: one to stay connected with your team and another one to engage with other colleagues

If you decide to come to the office, we are located in Zona Universitària, next to the Campus Nord of the UPC, within a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment. It is a very well-connected area (metro, tram, bus) with bars and restaurants around.

Our offices are designed with an open-office concept where everything is light and transparency. We have a variety of workspaces so that you don't have to be at the same table all day.

i2CAT is an organization committed to equal opportunities. That is why we seek to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented, and therefore explicitly encourage female candidates to apply.

I2CAT is an organization committed to creating an environment where we celebrate diversity, and where we provide the dedicated support that our employees need, regardless of their disability.

If what you have read sounds good to you... let’s have a coffee and we will tell you more!

In case you liked it, but it is not your job offer, you may know someone else who fits perfectly and whom you would like to recommend!

The European Commission granted i2CAT with the “HR Excellence in Research” Award in 2018. This award recognizes the Institute’s commitment to develop a Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R), aligning their practices and procedures with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.