The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) is one of the world's leading organizations for application-oriented research. 75 institutes develop pioneering technologies for our economy and society - more precisely: 32,000 people from technology, science, administration and IT. They know: Anyone who comes to Fraunhofer wants to and can make a difference. For themselves, for us and for the markets of today and tomorrow.

Future. Discover. Together.
Excellent research and innovation are at the centre of the work of the HHI - Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications. We are a world leader in researching mobile and optical communication networks and systems, as well as machine learning, computer vision and compressing digital videos. Become a part of our team and join us on our journey of research and innovation!

What you will do

This position is part of the PhD project under Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Networks "FOCAL" (https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101169042): Architecture design and effective routing for optical multi-layered space/aerial networks Carry out research projects on classical and quantum optical communications
You will investigate efficient architecture of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs): how to reach high connectivity with less resources. That includes:
The modelling of network nodes, terminals and communication channels
The quality assessment of end-to-end connections and the description of handover solutions
The consideration of quantum key distribution (in addition to classical optical communication links)

Your PhD will be co-supervised by the project partners Technical University of Berlin and Thales Alenia Space (France)
You will visit project partners during the project to help you carry out your work packages
You will exploit the project results for dissemination (e.g. conferences) and production of intellectual property

What you bring to the table

Outstanding scientific master degree in electrical engineering, physics or similar
Programming skills (e.g., C/C++, Python, Matlab, …) for device control, data analysis, and simulations
Theoretical and experimental knowledge of optical systems (e.g. optical components, optical propagation, single-photon processing, …), communication systems and high-speed electronics.
Professional commitment
Team spirit, ability to work independently and autonomously


What you can expect

Fascinating challenges in a scientific and entrepreneurial setting
30 vacation days
Modern and excellently equipped workspace in a central location
Great and cooperative working atmosphere in an international team
Flexible working hours
Support if you wish to do a doctorate
Opportunities to work from home
Extensive training-, health- and sports offers
Various employee discounts and discounted BVG ticket
Offers for families (parent-child office, emergency care, leisure activities, etc.)


The position is initially limited to 3 years. An extension is explicitly desired.

The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability. Terms of contract according to European Commission's Marie Curie fellowship scheme.
With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.
Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!



Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI
www.hhi.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 76201 Application Deadline: 01/24/2026