RESEARCH SCIENTIST IN INTER-SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS & ... (m/f)

SD-26145- RESEARCH SCIENTIST IN INTER-SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS & COOPERATIVE NETWORKING

Fixed term contract | Belval | 18 Months Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a leading Research and Technology Organization (RTO) that drives innovation for the economy and society in Luxembourg and beyond. With cutting-edge expertise in Natural, Built, Industrial environments, Space, AI, Security and defence technologies. LIST bridges scientific excellence and applied research to design solutions that address real-world challenges and create positive impact.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website: https://www.list.lu/

How will you contribute? You will be mainly in charge of:

• Designing and evaluating inter-satellite link (ISL) architectures tailored to GEO proximity operations, covering both RF and optical crosslink technologies.
• Developing cooperative communication protocols enabling real-time coordination, sensing cueing, and state exchanges between heterogeneous satellite payloads.
• Defining interface specifications to ensure seamless integration of the networking layer with onboard optical and RF sensing systems.
• Designing predictive and resilient networking strategies leveraging orbital geometry and interference-aware link adaptation.
• Contributing to system-level integration and ground-based demonstration activities validating the communication architecture.

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Education

• PhD in Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related field

Experience and skills

• Research experience in the areas of satellite communications, inter-satellite links, or non-terrestrial networks (NTN)
• Strong background in communication protocol design, including cross-layer optimization, QoS management, and time-critical networking
• Familiarity with 5G/6G architectural concepts and their applicability to space systems (deterministic latency, distributed scheduling, AI-driven link management)
• Experience with simulation and modelling tools for satellite communication systems
• Knowledge of RF and/or optical link technologies is an asset
• Experience in multi-partner research projects is an asset
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary, international team

Language skills

• Fluency in English, both oral and written. Other relevant languages are an asset.

Your LIST benefits

• An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects
• Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society
• Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square meters, including innovations in all that we do
• An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas
• Personalized learning programme to foster our staff's soft and technical skills
• Multicultural and international work environment with more than 60 nationalities represented in our workforce
• Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions
• Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science
• 32 days' paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance
• Flexible working hours, home working policy (not remote) and access to Digital lunch vouchers

Apply online Your application must include:

• A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience
• A scientific CV with contact details
• List of publications (and patents, if applicable)
• Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes. LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability. Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above. As part of our recruitment process, the selected candidate might be subject to a background check in accordance with applicable laws and institutional policies. Further checks and restrictions might apply to candidates in compliance with export controls requirements For the purposes of the position and in accordance with applicable legislation, the successful candidate may be requested to provide a recent criminal record certificate. Due to the requirements of the project, we can only consider applications from nationals of a NATO Member Country, from an EU EEA/EFTA Country or from one of the following NATO Indo-Pacific Partners: Australia, Japan, Republic of South Korea and New Zealand. This position offers a gross monthly salary between €6094 and €6678, paid over 13 months (€79.222–€86.814 annually) based on full time employment. The final salary offer within this range will be determined based on the candidate's overall profile, qualifications and professional experience . For part time employment, the salary is adjusted pro rata