Research Technician for RFSoC-Based Passive Drone Detection

About the SnT

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

Project: This position is being funded through the defense BRIDGES project DRONE-SENSE.

Detection of illegal drone activity in Luxembourg is of paramount interest in the context of sovereignty; it is important in the EU context as well since Luxembourg hosts many EU institutions. While the threat is impacting several sectors, DRONE-SENSE focusses on the impact on the ground-based satellite communication infrastructure, considering its centrality to the contribution of Luxembourg to the defence and civilian sphere. The main goal of DRONE-SENSE is to develop efficient passive drone sensing capabilities, particularly around space infrastructure, and create a secure and efficient data pathway between distributed sensing nodes and a cloud-based platform for data fusion and analytics.

Your role

As a Research Technician, you be supporting and conducting research activities focused on radar technology. You will work closely with our team of researchers and engineers to contribute to the advancement of radar systems and applications.

The successful candidate will contribute to the implementation of a distributed passive RF sensing network capable of monitoring the radio spectrum, detecting drone transmissions, and localizing potential threats through cooperative sensing and data fusion.

One of the main pillars of the project is the design and implementation of a software-defined, multi-band, multi-channel sensing station based on RFSoC technology where in Multichannel Spectrum Sensing with Sparse Wideband Antenna Arrays is performed. The tasks associated with this project involve, but are not limited to,

• Sensor node hardware design and antenna evaluation
• RFSoC-based multichannel acquisition and system integration
• Hardware verification and experimental testing
• Integration of spectrum sensing and DoA algorithms on RFSoC platforms
• Integration and validation within the DRONE-SENSE platform

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement distributed passive RF sensing nodes using RFSoC platforms
• Develop FPGA firmware and embedded software for real-time spectrum sensing
• Develop Qt/C++ software for sensor control, synchronization, and data acquisition
• Integrate spectrum sensing and direction-of-arrival algorithms developed within the project
• Validate the sensing platform through laboratory and field experiments
• Collaborate with project partners on system integration and testing
• Prepare technical documentation and user manuals
• Contribute to technical reports and project deliverables

Your profile

• MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline
• Experience with SDR platforms (e.g., USRPs), RF hardware, or RFSoC platforms
• Programming experience in C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or FPGA development
• Experience with laboratory measurements and system integration

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with AMD/Xilinx RFSoCs and Vivado/Vitis
• Experience with GNU Radio or LabVIEW
• Knowledge of radar signal processing and direction-of-arrival estimation
• Experience with phased arrays or multichannel RF systems

Language Requirements: Excellent command of English (C1) is required

Due to the specific requirements and constraints of the project, we are only able to consider applicants from EU EEA/EFTA countries, NATO Member Country, Ukraine or from one of the following NATO Indo-Pacific Partners, Australia, Japan, Republic of South Korea and New Zealand.

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Full CV including any publications or technical projects, if applicable
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Motivation letter, maximum one page

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg is committed to achieving gender parity among its staff. Should candidates present equivalent profiles, preference will be given to female candidates in all departments where gender parity is not yet achieved.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Research support technician
• Job Reference: UOL08384