Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable businesses and communities of the future. Northern Sweden is a European space region with multiple stakeholders collaborating for the development of space technology and science in space. Luleå University of Technology (LTU) offers space research and teaching, the Institute of Space Physics (IRF) focuses on space plasma research and instrument development, and EISCAT is the scientific organization that performs radar observations of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere. Svenska Rymdaktiebolaget (SSC) with its facilities at Esrange provides services and infrastructure for access to space. The Department of Space and Systems Engineering, where the university has gathered research and education in space technology, control engineering, computer and systems science, is now looking for PhD students who can contribute to our growing activities. The Department of Space Technology, in Kiruna, offers a number of master's programs in space science and technology. We conduct research in the areas of atmospheric science and space systems. The Space Systems group focuses on payloads, spacecraft and launch vehicles for exploration of the upper atmosphere, orbits and planets. The research and teaching conducted is supported by high quality infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratories dedicated to rocket propulsion systems, nano satellites, asteroid engineering and space avionics. Subject description Space systems include systems for regulation, control, instrumentation and communication in the upper atmosphere and space. Of particular importance are reliable electronic systems with low power consumption, radiation resistance and their miniaturization. Project description Luleå University of Technology will start a multidisciplinary competence center in 2025 together with KTH and RISE in 6G and satellite communication, Sustainable Mobile Autonomous and Resilient 6G SatCom. The goal is to integrate traditional land-based mobile communications and space-based satellite communications into 6G, which is expected to be in use during the 2030s. The vision is that mobile communication services will be seamlessly available to anyone with a 6G device, anywhere and anytime. The focus will be on sustainability and energy efficiency, reliability and resilience, as well as system interoperability and always-on artificial intelligence. To achieve the vision, research will focus on improving hardware for both 6G devices and space-based satellites, developing signal processing methods that handle high signal losses and are robust to space-based interference, developing network technologies that integrate terrestrial and space systems, and developing new intelligent applications that combine communication, location and remote sensing. Job description We welcome enthusiastic and adaptable PhD students to join our interdisciplinary research group to either develop a) innovative methods for rapid and cost-effective validation and testing of 6G satellite technologies or b) improved in-orbit servicing and maintenance capabilities for 6G satellite constellations to contribute to increased space sustainability efforts. Both research areas will be carried out in collaboration with institutional and industrial partners in the multidisciplinary center of excellence and will use, for example, simulations, test facilities and nanosatellite platforms. As a PhD student, you will be expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies and to communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research and studies. In addition, you may have the opportunity to contribute to teaching. As a researcher, you will be involved in challenging research projects. Qualifications You must have a Master's degree or equivalent in aerospace engineering or a related subject and previous experience in the field of small spacecraft (pico-, nano- or microsatellites) such as design, development or operation of hardware or software for small satellites. Applicants should also have good communication skills in written and oral communication in English. For more information on a specific subject, please refer to the general study plan of the Faculty Board of Science and Technology. For further information on specific doctoral training see curricula for doctoral studies in the Faculty of Engineering Information to be provided Employment as a doctoral student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties can be added up to 20% of full time. Place of employment: Kiruna. Intended to start after agreement. For further information, please contact Head of Department Victoria Barabash, 0980 67532 victoria.barabash@ltu.se or Professor of Space Systems René Laufer, 0980-67582 rene.laufer@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter, CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diplomas must be written in Swedish or English. Deadline for applications: August 24, 2025 Reference number: 2838-2025