AI Semantic Compression Aalborg - Nanosatellite Data

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 internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU’s 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 www.es.aau.dk.

Your work tasks

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.

Your competencies

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

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 communications. In 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 Europe’s 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

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (master’s 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. You may 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 University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University’s 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?

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

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

Denne stilling er publiceret af Aalborg Universitet via jobnet.dk