PhD position in antenna arrays for communication and energy harvesting SATCOM applications

Electrification and digitalisation are among the largest areas for the future in the conversion to sustainable societies. The Department of Electrical Engineering conducts successful research and education in the areas - renewable energy sources, electric vehicles, industrial IoT, 6G communication and wireless sensor networks as well as research and education within Life Science, smart electronic sensors and medical systems. The Department of Electrical Engineering is an international workplace with around 170 employees that all contribute to important technical energy and health challenges at the Ångström Laboratory.

The position will be at the division Solid-State Electronics, at the Department of Electrical Engineering.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University.

Project description

The EU-funded POWERSAT project aims to captures the microwave spillover losses from satellite antennas and converts them into a DC power source. POWERSAT will investigate also how to harness the untapped solar infrared (IR) spectrum by introducing an innovative THz (10-400 THz) energy harvesting platform, complementing the functionality of photovoltaic cells. It will deliver a unique solar-microwave hybrid system using rectennas (rectifying antennas) to collect a significant portion of IR radiation from the sun and the spillover electric field emitted by satellite communications across four key frequency bands: C-band (4-8 GHz), X-band (8.2-12.4 GHz), Ku-band (12-18 GHz), and K-band (18-27 GHz). The harvested energy will power low-power embedded satellite electronics, including low-noise amplifiers, sensors, and oscillators. Furthermore, antennas designed for energy harvesting can also support efficient, low-power inter-satellite links (ISLs) in satellite constellations, where multiple satellites fly in coordinated formations. 

We have an exciting work environment designed by the doctoral student and the research team together. The doctoral student will be supervised by at least two supervisors. The Department of Electrical Engineering also gives a salary supplement in addition to the local guidelines for doctoral students at Uppsala University. The project involves travel for research and participation in conferences, and details are available upon request.

Duties

• Realize the electromagnetic design of antenna array for different frequencies bands and up to THz frequencies
• Investigate new energy harvesting concepts using antennas and antenna arrays
• Building demonstrators of the proposed antenna solution
• Perform antenna measurements of beamforming and beamsteering in an anechoic chamber
• Project follow-up and reporting.
• Publication of several high ranked journal papers is expected during the project duration.
• The work duties can also include teaching. No more than 20%.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Qualifications required

• The applicant must hold a master degree in Physics or Electrical Engineering or equivalent
• Previous experience in the field of Electromagnetic Fields and Antenna Theory, along with proficiency in using full-wave solvers such as HFSS and CST, is considered necessary. Proven experimental work in amplifier and/or antenna measurements is also required. Hands-on experience in FPGA and RFSoC development, or comparable platforms
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Beyond technical expertise, emphasis will be placed on qualities such as creative thinking, motivation, collaboration skills, initiative for independent work, and personal suitability for research training. You should be purposeful, structured and be able to work effectively both individually and in groups

Qualifications desired

• We are looking for competent and enthusiastic applicants with a strong interest in microwave technology and antenna arrays for SATCOM applications
• Excellent academic performance, as reflected in grades
• Candidates should be capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a team

About the employment

Application: Please use the link below. You should include a brief description of your research interests and relevant experience, a CV, copies of diplomas and certificates, thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. You are encouraged to provide contact information to reference.

Salary: Individual salary setting.

Starting date: 9 March 2026, or as agreed.

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment according to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, Section 7.

Extent of employment: 100%

Further information about the position: Dragos Dancila, +46 72-366 31 80
Email: dragos.dancila@angstrom.uu.se

Applications are welcome no later than 6 March 2026, UFV-PA 2026/388.