Postdoc in AI-powered on-board semantic Earth observation data compression

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a postdoc in the field of AI-powered on-board semantic Earth observation as per August 1 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is available for a period of 2 years with the possibility of extension.

In electronic engineering Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people of which about 90 are PhD students and about 40 % of all employees are total it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs which are based on AAUs problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication networks control systems AI sound cyber security and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at .

Your work tasks
In this postdoctoral position you will play a central role towards characterizing the fundamental trade-offs between instrument accuracy spatial resolution and update frequency in satellite-based Earth observation using dense nanosatellite and CubeSat constellations. You will work in an international and interdisciplinary environment with experts in Earth observation satellite communications and artificial intelligence.

Your main responsibility will be to develop information-theoretic and AI models for semantic compression of Earth observation data tailored to large-scale nanosatellite constellations. You will investigate how to characterise and optimise the interplay between sensing accuracy temporal resolution constellation density and data volume with a particular focus on Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry as a low-cost low-power sensing modality. Based on these models you will design and analyse new semantic communication schemes that can extract and preserve the essential information in Earth observation data while drastically reducing the amount of data that needs to be sent to Earth.

A key element of your work will be to bridge theory and practice. You will not only work on abstract models and limits but also apply and validate your methods on real Earth observation datasets including Global Navigation Satellite System Reflectometry data in close collaboration with domain experts. This includes experimenting with artificial intelligence and machine learning based approaches to learn semantic representations studying long-term and global dependencies in Earth observation data and evaluating how these can be exploited for on-board compression and decision making in realistic satellite system settings.

You will collaborate closely with the Geodesy group at the Department of Sustainability and Planning towards shaping theoretical frameworks for massive Earth observation with nanosatellite constellations and you will have the opportunity to connect your work to related initiatives such as European programmes in Earth observation and space communications. As part of the role you are also expected to engage in proposal writing and the preparation of new funding applications.

Your competencies
You have completed a PhD in electrical engineering telecommunications computer science applied mathematics data science or a closely related field. You are comfortable working with abstract concepts in information theory and statistics and you enjoy translating them into concrete algorithms and experiments with real data. You have experience with information-theoretic modelling programming data analysis and statistics.

You bring documented experience with publishing research in recognised international journals and conferences and you are motivated by contributing to the international research community through high-quality publications. Ideally you are familiar with at least one of the following domains: satellite communications remote sensing Earth observation or artificial intelligence and machine learning.

You are motivated proactive and curious enjoy working at the intersection of several disciplines and are comfortable taking initiative in developing new research ideas.
You thrive in a collaborative research environment where ideas are openly discussed where feedback is part of the daily work and where results are developed in close dialogue with colleagues from different backgrounds. At the same time you can work independently plan your work and drive your own projects forward. You communicate clearly in writing and in speech and you are able to present complex concepts in an accessible way to colleagues from other disciplines. Proficiency in English at C1 level or above is required for this position both for scientific writing and for daily collaboration in an international environment.

Who we are
You will be employed at the Connectivity Section of the Department of Electronic Systems at Aalborg University and affiliated with the Space Tech Center. The department is recognised internationally for high-quality research and education within communication networks control artificial intelligence sound cybersecurity and robotics and it hosts extensive laboratory and experimental facilities for advanced work in electronic and information technologies.

The Space Tech Center at Aalborg University promotes interdisciplinary excellence in space technologies bringing together experts from all four faculties to drive breakthrough research education and innovation. With world-class experimental facilities advanced simulators and unique datasets the Space Tech Center enables rapid development and validation of next-generation solutions in areas such as satellite systems robotics and addition to fundamental and applied research the center actively supports funding acquisition collaboration with industry and public partners and the translation of research into scalable space solutions that strengthen Europes role in the global space ecosystem.

You will join an international team with colleagues from many different countries and academic backgrounds where collaboration and knowledge sharing are at the core of daily work. Through your role in MASSIVE-EO and your affiliation with Space Tech Center you will have ample opportunity to develop your scientific profile expand your network within the European and global space research community and contribute to the development of a growing research area at the interface between information theory artificial intelligence and Earth observation

Qualification requirements
Appointmentaspostdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:

• Application stating reasons for applying qualifications in relation to the position and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (masters degree diploma and PhD diploma)
• List of publications with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. Youmay attach a maximum of five publications.
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications including participation on committees or boards participation in organisations etc.
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position
• References/recommendations

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.

The application must be submitted via Aalborg Universitys recruitment system which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg Universitys website.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore everyone regardless of personal background and orientation is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions
If you have any questions about the position you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information
Read more about our recruitment process here

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires ensuring the safety compliance and integrity of the workplace.

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only in Danish).

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers students and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights new solutions to societal problems and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.