Senior researcher focused in Autonomous Mission Planning Systems and IoT

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 has become 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 orchestration of a satellite constellation that provides this service. Satellite operations are commonly planned, and the tasks are executed following a proper schedule. In this case, this schedule must include interaction with IoT sensors, which could be random or periodic behavior. The definition of algorithm that is able to define this schedule is crucial for the survivability of the constellation.  

The candidate will investigate techniques for constellation planification in order to integrate IoT operations. 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:

(1) Review the state of the art related to satellite planification and optimization problems

(2) Investigate in novel technologies to orchestrate satellite with IoT operations

(3) Investigate in optimization techniques/models to be integrated in this scenario

(4) Design and implement a software solution that is able to manage this constellation

(5) Study the limitations and enhancements of the proposed solution

(6) Publish the research results in conferences and Q1/Q2 journals 

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
• You will have a flexible work schedule so that you can reconcile your personal life with the professional one.
• Intensive hours every Friday of the year and every day in July and August
• Fix + variable salary
• Possibility of receiving part of your remuneration in kind (restaurant, transport, nursery or medical insurance)
• 25 working days of annual leave (the common 22 + 3 additional ones)
• You can access the UPC gym at a reduced price
• 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 work environment, Mac, Linux or Windows.
• You can ask us for training of your interest.
• 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 telework policy for some time. You can work from home or from the office, whichever suits you best. We ask that you attend the office two days per week, one to stay connected with the team and to establish relations 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 do not have opaque rooms). 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 the female collective to apply.

i2CAT is an organization committed to diversity and we seek to increase the number of people with disabilities in our team.

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