Doctoral Fellowship
Enter the fascinating world of the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and help shape the future through research and innovation! We offer an exciting and inspiring working environment driven by the expertise and curiosity of our 11,000 employees from 100 nations and our unique infrastructure. Together, we develop sustainable technologies and thus contribute to finding solutions to global challenges. Would you like to join us in addressing this major future challenge? Then this is your place!
Our Institute of Communications and Navigation in Oberpfaffenhofen offers a
DLR-DAAD Doctoral Fellowship
Nr. 717: Flexible optical communications and PNT transceivers for satellite applications
What to expect:
The Optical Technologies for Satellite Links group at DLR’s Institute of Communications and Navigation develops experimental laser communications systems for optical data links between airborne carriers such as airplanes or satellites and optical ground stations as well as demonstrator platforms for testbed system verifications. The transceiver development covers several disciplines such as photonics, electronics and programming.
We’re seeking a talented researcher to join our team in designing and developing cutting-edge integrated optical systems for next-generation satellite communications and PNT (Positioning, Navigation and Timing) applications. Building on the ESA Specification for Terabit/sec Optical Links (ESTOL) specification, this PhD project will push the boundaries of optical communications and PNT transceivers, exploring innovative solutions for variable and high-speed data transmission, adaptable link configurations, and inclusion of other functionalities in miniaturized system architectures. The goal is to prototype novel transceivers that can support multiple satellite applications, driving advancements in the field and enabling new services.
Main Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Literature Review and State-of-the-Art Analysis: Conduct an in-depth review of existing research on optical communications and PNT systems for satellite applications, identifying gaps and opportunities for innovation.
- System Design and Simulation: Design and simulate optical communications systems for satellite constellations, considering factors such as channel characteristics, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) miniaturization, wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), coherent detection, and advanced modulation formats.
- Performance Evaluation and Optimization: Evaluate the performance of the developed optical communications systems, focusing not only on standard performance metrics such as bit error rate (BER) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), but also application specific such as space environment impact, Doppler effect and system Size, Weight and Power (SWaP).
- Experimental Setup and Testing: Develop and test experimental setups for free space optical communications (FSOC) systems, including the integration of PICs, discrete optical devices, amplifiers, and other essential components.
- Theoretical Modelling and Analysis: Develop theoretical models to analyse and predict the behaviour of optical communications systems in various satellite constellations, including scenarios with multiple satellites and different orbital configurations.
- Collaboration with Industry Partners: Collaborate with industry partners to ensure the practicality and feasibility of the developed systems, and to gather feedback and insights from experts in the field.
- Publishing Research Findings: Publish research findings in reputable scientific journals and conferences, and present the results at international conferences to contribute to the advancement of the field.
Please apply here: DLR-DAAD Research Fellowship Programme – DAAD – Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst
Further information and current vacancies:
What we expect from you:
- Master degree in physics, communications, optical or electrical engineering
- practical experience with optical communications equipment
- excellent programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python
- interest in satellite optical communications
- knowledge of photonic component design and modelling
- experience with working in a Linux environment
What we offer:
DLR stands for diversity, appreciation and equality for all people. We promote independent work and the individual development of our employees both personally and professionally. To this end, we offer numerous training and development opportunities. Equal opportunities are of particular importance to us, which is why we want to increase the proportion of women in science and management in particular. Applicants with severe disabilities will be given preference if they are qualified.
Further information:
Starting date: January 2026
Type of employment: Full-time
Contact:
Dr. Marcin Ziarko
Email: marcin.ziarko@dlr.de
Dr. Juraj Poliak
Email: juraj.poliak@dlr.de
