RFSoC Drone Scholarship 2026 is focused on supporting research activities in passive drone detection using RFSoC-based multichannel sensing platforms. The role involves hardware design, RFSoC-based acquisition, FPGA firmware and embedded software development, and integration and validation of spectrum sensing and direction-of-arrival algorithms.
The scholarship role is hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg, funded through the defense BRIDGES project DRONE-SENSE. The position is located at the Kirchberg Campus and contributes to a distributed passive RF sensing network for drone detection.
Benefits of RFSoC Drone Scholarship 2026
- A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
- An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
- A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs
Eligibility Criteria for the RFSoC Drone Scholarship 2026
- MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline
- Experience with SDR platforms (e.g., USRPs), RF hardware, or RFSoC platforms
- Programming experience in C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or FPGA development
- Experience with laboratory measurements and system integration
- Strong analytical and communication skills
- Preferred Qualifications: Experience with AMD/Xilinx RFSoCs and Vivado/Vitis
- Preferred Qualifications: Experience with GNU Radio or LabVIEW
- Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of radar signal processing and direction-of-arrival estimation
- Preferred Qualifications: Experience with phased arrays or multichannel RF systems
- Language Requirements: Excellent command of English (C1) is required
- Residency eligibility: Applicants from EU EEA/EFTA countries, NATO Member Country, Ukraine, or NATO Indo-Pacific Partners (Australia, Japan, Republic of South Korea and New Zealand) only
How to Apply for the RFSoC Drone Scholarship 2026?
- Full CV including any publications or technical projects, if applicable
- Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
- Motivation letter, maximum one page
- Apply ONLINE formally through the HR system
- Applications by Email will not be considered
- Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the RFSoC Drone Scholarship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, application steps, and project details based on the University of Luxembourg posting.
What is the RFSoC Drone Scholarship about?
RFSoC Drone Scholarship 2026 supports research activities focused on passive drone detection using RFSoC-based multichannel sensing. The role includes sensor node hardware design, RFSoC multichannel acquisition and system integration, FPGA firmware and embedded software development, and validation through laboratory and field experiments.
Who is the host institution for this scholarship?
RFSoC Drone Scholarship 2026 is hosted by the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg. The SnT is an international research and innovation centre focusing on secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services, collaborating with industry and public partners.
What are the eligibility requirements?
Applicants must hold an MSc in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications or a related discipline. Required experience includes work with SDR platforms, RF hardware or RFSoC platforms, programming in C/C++, Python, MATLAB or FPGA development, laboratory measurements and system integration, and strong analytical and communication skills.
Are there language or residency restrictions?
Excellent command of English (C1) is required. Due to project constraints, applicants must be from EU EEA/EFTA countries, NATO Member Countries, Ukraine, or specific NATO Indo-Pacific Partners: Australia, Japan, Republic of South Korea, or New Zealand.
How do I apply for the scholarship?
Applications should include a full CV, transcripts of university-level courses, and a one-page motivation letter. Applicants must apply online through the HR system; applications sent by email will not be considered. Early applications are encouraged as they will be processed upon reception.
Is there a stated application deadline?
The University of Luxembourg posting does not specify a fixed application deadline. The listing indicates that applications will be processed upon reception and encourages early application. Therefore, no specific day/month/year deadline is provided in the announcement.
What is the position duration and work hours?
General information in the posting indicates a Fixed Term Contract of 24 months with full-time work hours of 40.0 hours per week. The location for the position is the Kirchberg Campus of the University of Luxembourg.
What project funds this role?
The posting states that the position is funded through the defense BRIDGES project DRONE-SENSE. The project focuses on developing passive drone sensing capabilities and creating a secure data pathway between distributed sensing nodes and a cloud-based platform for data fusion and analytics.
What technical responsibilities are expected?
Key responsibilities include designing and implementing distributed passive RF sensing nodes using RFSoC platforms, developing FPGA firmware and embedded software for real-time spectrum sensing, creating Qt/C++ software for control and data acquisition, integrating DoA algorithms, validating the platform in lab and field experiments, and preparing technical documentation.
What are preferred qualifications for applicants?
Preferred qualifications listed include experience with AMD/Xilinx RFSoCs and Vivado/Vitis, experience with GNU Radio or LabVIEW, knowledge of radar signal processing and direction-of-arrival estimation, and experience with phased arrays or multichannel RF systems. These are in addition to the core MSc and practical experience requirements.
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