Vacancies

About E-Sailors

The Electric solar wind Sail doctors (E-Sailors) is a challenge-based Doctoral Network that aims to bring Electric solar wind sail (E-sail) from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) demonstration missions to the operational environment of the solar wind. It is delivered by 8 universities in cooperation with FMI, where E-sail was invented, and 4 companies.  

E-sail is a highly innovative and potentially disruptive propellantless propulsion system. An operational E-sail consists of hair-thin and kilometres-long wires, or tethers, which are charged at a high voltage creating an electrostatic sheath (electric sail) which deflects solar wind particles and generates the propulsive effect in interplanetary environment. Successful and rapid development and deployment of the technology will ensure EU's leadership in the exploration and exploitation of deep space, the next commercial space frontier.   

The programme is designed to achieve the following training objectives for our doctoral candidates: 

1) Equip them with core scientific skills and specialised knowledge in designing experiments for demonstrating space technologies and developing space missions; 

2) Provide them with a wide range of transferrable skills, such as Open Science and FAIR, communicating science to public, advocacy, networking etc.; 

3) Develop their business and entrepreneurship skills, such as IPR management, preliminary business planning, pitching to investors, starting start-ups. 

DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (number) – E-Sailor 9

• Host, PhD awarding institution: Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS), Latvia;
• Co-host Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), Sweden.

Supervisory team

• Supervisor: Prof.  Andris Vaivads (VUAS)
• Co-supervisor: Prof. Mykola Ivchenko (KTH)

Project description: 

PhD will be involved in WP4 “Lunar Orbit Communications and Ranging: RT16 and RT32 Ground Segment Design” activities. 

WP4 objectives are:

1. To prepare the requirements and specifications for ESTCube-LuNa communications using the RT16 and RT32 radio telescopes.

2. To design the ground segment experiment for ESTCube-LuNa distance measurement.

3. To conduct initial experiments through simulations and by using other spacecraft as signal sources.

The PhD (research assistant - doctoral student) will work within the unique Irbene radio astronomy and space communication complex, gaining direct access to the 32-m and 16-m radio telescopes (RT-32 and RT-16) and the LOFAR station. This infrastructure enables cutting-edge research in lunar-orbit communications, RF ranging, antenna systems, and mission-critical ground-segment technologies. The project combines hands-on work with real instruments, satellite communication chains, and signal processing, creating an exceptional environment for both scientific and engineering innovation.

More information about Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre: https://en.venta.lv/virac

Planned start of project activities – 2nd quarter of 2026 (1.05.2026)

Project duration: 36 months 

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (Latvia) - 24 months 

KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden) - 12 months

Application deadline: February 28, 2026

Requirements for PhD position

• Specific master’s in a STEAM-related field. Copies of bachelor's and master's diplomas and academic transcripts/diploma supplements (with translations, if applicable). Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master’s degree, by sending a provisionary master’s degree. However, they cannot receive an employment contract before obtaining the master’s degree.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English. 
• The primary workplace will be in Latvia and Sweden. Therefore, candidates from outside the EU must be eligible to obtain a visa. 
• At the time of recruitment, the researcher must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in (host institute country) for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered. 

Competencies: 

• Capacity to independently pursue his or her work;
• Collaboration with others;
• Professional approach and capacity to analyze and work with complex issues;
• Strong background and passionate interest in STEM related research fields, including outstanding academic track record;
• We are looking for strongly motivated person passionate to work with interdisciplinary and international teams while maintaining individual accountability, such as driving projects forward without extensive guidance.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills

Responsibilities:

• Pursue doctoral studies and thesis work
• Enrol in the accredited doctoral study programme at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and fulfil all study requirements, including regular updates of the individual study plan and timely completion and defence of the PhD thesis.
• Plan and carry out original research in the field of lunar-orbit communications and RF ranging, directly contributing to WP4 “Lunar Orbit Communications and Ranging: RT16 and RT32 Ground Segment Design”.
• Conduct research and development activities
• Perform literature review, requirements analysis and system modelling for ESTCube-LuNa communications and ranging using the RT-16 and RT-32 radio telescopes and related ground-segment infrastructure.
• Design, implement and evaluate signal-processing algorithms, communication chains and RF-ranging experiments using simulations and, where applicable, real spacecraft signals.
• Develop, document and maintain the experimental setups, software tools and data-processing pipelines required for the project.
• Disseminate and publish results
• Prepare scientific articles and conference contributions in accordance with the requirements of the doctoral study programme and the E-Sailors network.
• Present research results at international conferences, workshops, colloquia, summer/winter schools and E-Sailors training events.
• Contribute to open and responsible research practices (e.g. data management, reproducible workflows, FAIR principles, where applicable).
• Contribute to teaching, projects and institutional activities as applicable
• Where relevant and in line with Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and KTH regulations, support study courses and student learning activities related to the candidate’s expertise (e.g. labs, student projects, thesis supervision assistance).
• Participate in research and innovation projects at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and KTH, including, when possible, the preparation of new project proposals.
• Take part in the scientific activities of the host departments and research groups at both institutions.
• Engage in communication, outreach and collaboration
• Take part in science communication and public engagement activities, informing society about the results of the doctoral work and the E-Sailors project.
• Actively collaborate with supervisors, other doctoral candidates and partners across the E-Sailors network, including mobility periods at KTH and other project secondments.
• Contribute constructively to the development and improvement of the research and study environment within the host institutions.
• Ensure professional conduct and compliance
• Comply with all applicable internal and external regulations, ethical standards, research-integrity principles and health and safety rules at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, KTH and other partner organisations.
• Use research infrastructure, equipment, data and financial resources responsibly and in line with institutional procedures.
• Perform other tasks that are reasonably aligned with the above duties and with the objectives of the doctoral programme and the E-Sailors project.
• Full-time employment (40 hours per week), (employment contract for 3 years). 

Benefits

• Competitive funding scheme, with a minimum gross monthly salary of approximately EUR 2718.00 topped by additional mobility allowances as well as optional family allowances (if applicable);
• Covered tuition costs, research costs and funding for short-term mobility (i.e. conference attendance);
• Interdisciplinary and international research projects;
• Early-stage researcher position, with corresponding social and medical benefits in Latvia and Sweden;
• Becoming a Marie Skłodowska-Curie PhD fellow. 

How to apply

• Signed E-Sailors Application Form (including all sections completed);
• Motivation letter explaining the aspects listed in the Requirements section (research and independent work experience, ability to work autonomously, leadership in technical projects, experience in international/interdisciplinary teams, and at least one concrete example of a practical project completed with minimal supervision);
• Curriculum Vitae (in EUROPASS format), including details of research, academic, administrative and organizational experience, as well as a full list of publications;
• Copies of diplomas and academic transcripts/diploma supplements for bachelor’s and master’s degrees (certified by the applicant; originals must be presented upon request).
• Candidates who have not yet obtained their master’s degree may submit an official provisional certificate or statement of expected graduation;
• Proof of English language proficiency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent, where applicable);
• Copy of passport (identity page);
• Letter of recommendation and contact details of at least one academic or professional referee.
• Residency history of last 36 months and main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization of last 36 months.
• Any other documents the applicant wishes to submit to demonstrate qualifications and experience (e.g. theses, selected publications, technical reports, code samples, portfolios).

The documents must be submitted electronically in English by email to personals@venta.lv no later than midnight on 28 February 2026.

Selection procedure

• Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and suitability based on the criteria listed for each position. 
• After shortlisting, candidates will be invited for online interviews with the respective recruitment committees.
• The recruiting institution will send out notification of the selection outcome after the online interview. 

In addition:

More information can be found from the E-Sailors project web page – https://esailors.ut.ee 

Horizon Europe MSCA Mobility Rule: Researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the host organization (Latvia) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date – unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.

Horizon Europe MSCA Eligibility Criteria: Doctoral Candidates (DC) must, at the date of recruitment by the host organization, have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

Applicants who do not fulfill the Mobility Rule and the Eligibility Criteria CANNOT be considered for the research position.