PhD position on Radio Systems

Job description

The group of Radio Systems (RS) within the University of Twente (UT) has a vacancy for a PhD candidate with the aim to define the system-level requirements for joint communication and sensing (JCAS) for future 6G networks.

This position is embedded in the Program Line 1 of intelligent components, within the framework of the large-scale Dutch national growthfund for FNS (Future Network Services). Join the frontier of innovation in 6G: the future of mobile networks technology! A unique Dutch alliance, comprising 60 leading ICT businesses, mobile operators, semiconductor manufacturers and research institutions, have united to spearhead the development of specific aspects of 6G: Software antennas, AI-driven network software, and groundbreaking 6G applications. Join us as a PhD student in this prestigious Future Network Services (FNS) flagship project, where research and entrepreneurial pursuits converge.

For the background of the RS position, with the advancement of radio communication networks and devices, the use of FR2/FR3/aggregated wide bandwidth as well as a larger number of antenna array elements and beamforming make it possible for high accuracy localization and sensing. On the one hand, integrating high resolution radar sensing to high-speed communication systems could make the wireless connectivity more reliable, such as achieving blockage prevention; on the other hand, telecommunication infrastructure that is capable of multi-task sensing (e.g., environment mapping, detection, localization and tracking, pose recognition, vital sign estimation) could also enable vertical services like remote health monitoring and autonomous driving. JCAS is the main enabler for future 6G networks, and has draw continuous attentions from industry and academia.

Under the context of JCAS, the PhD candidate will focus on devising novel dual-scenario beamforming concepts. The devised beamforming technology shall be able to identify and investigate duplexing techniques and architectures suitable for JCAS, such as full-duplex or sub-band full-duplex through system-wide spatial and frequency distributed filtering concepts for high Tx-Rx isolation. The beamforming technology shall also enable the synthesizing of proper radiation patterns over very large frequency band and within wide scanning area, when using different waveforms in different transmit channels. As a basis, OFDM and OTFS waveform families could be used.

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated, enthusiastic and driven researcher.

• You have, or will shortly acquire, an M.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering.
• You have a technical background in wireless communications and/or radar sensing, with knowledge of radio systems, antennas and radio propagation, multi-antenna and MIMO, applied electromagnetic waves and signal processing. Experience with software defined radio (SDR), hardware and radio system prototyping aspects is a plus.
• You are passionate and result-driven, can think independently and creatively, and are a problem solver with excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You want to work in international and multi-disciplinary environments.
• You are proficient in English, both speaking and writing.
• You have hands-on publication, programming and measurement skills

Our offer

We offer an interesting temporary research position in a dynamic and international environment.

• A fulltime position as a PhD student for 4 years, with a qualifier in the first year.
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme;
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• An increasing degree of responsibility and independence.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid);
• You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision;

Information and application

Are you interested to be part of our team? Please send your application before February 15, 2023 via the "apply now" button and include:

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, experiences relevant to the position, motivations to apply for this position;
• a detailed CV (resume) including a list of all courses attended and grades acquired, references and, if applicable, a publication list.
•  A short description (maximum 1 page A4) of your MSc research.
•  An assessment is part of the selection procedure.

Additional information about this position can be acquired from Prof. Dr. A.B.J. Kokkeler (a.b.j.kokkeler@utwente.nl ) and Dr. Y. Miao (y.miao@utwente.nl).

About the organisation

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.