Doctoral Researcher Positions in 6G Wireless Communications and Signal Processing (# of pos: 7)

 We, at the University of Oulu, work as part of the international science community to produce new scientific information and science-based solutions. We are committed to educating future pioneers to build a more sustainable, intelligent, and humane world. Creating new, taking responsibility, and succeeding together are values that build a strong foundation for all our actions. We offer a working environment where individuals can cultivate their skills, do meaningful work, and develop professionally. Our university's several specialized research and service units enable extensive and diverse development and career opportunities for experts in various fields.

The Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at the University of Oulu is looking for talented researchers to fill up to

seven Doctoral Researcher positions

in 6G wireless communications and signal processing.

About CWC:

CWC is recognized as one of the world’s leading and most active research centres in wireless technologies. CWC is at the heart of the University of Oulu’s strategic focus area “Digitalization and Smart Society” and features the Academy of Finland’s Flagship programme 6G Flagship , which is the world’s first major 6G research programme running from 2018 to 2028. We are already a team of 400 researchers from 50 different countries.

Job Description:

As a Doctoral Researcher, you will carry out cutting-edge research on the predefined subjects as a member of a research team. You will disseminate research results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and project deliverables. You will also take relevant doctoral courses. You will be expected to create research results leading to an excellent doctoral thesis and complete your doctoral degree by the end of the 4-year period. You will also have the possibility to assist in the supervision of Master’s students and carry out teaching activities.

The technical field of the positions will span different analytical and algorithmic aspects of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications for 6G wireless systems operating up to mmWave and THz frequencies. The main research tools will be communications/information theory, signal processing, optimization, and machine learning (ML). The research will be carried out in collaboration with our top-tier international collaborators and research partners. Specific research topics include the following:

- Spectral and energy efficiency enhancements considering hardware implementation constraints.

- Near-field communications and positioning under physically consistent signal propagation.

- Reconfigurable, reliable, and scalable solutions for high-bandwidth and internet of things (IoT) systems.

- Cache-aided communications exploiting the memory resources available in network devices.

- Joint communications and sensing (JCAS) algorithms and system design.

- Use of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs) for enhanced connectivity, positioning, and sensing.

- Use of deep unfolding and other data-driven ML tools.

Qualification requirements:

To qualify as a Doctoral Researcher, you must possess an applicable Master of Science degree (or other applicable Master’s degree) in communications engineering, electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, or related field with very good/excellent grades. In case you have not obtained your degree yet, please specify the expected graduation date and the cumulative GPA so far. The degree must be completed prior to beginning the employment. In addition, we appreciate the following:

- Solid knowledge of applied mathematics, statistics, and one or more of the following subjects: communications/information theory, signal processing, optimization, wave propagation, machine learning; solid knowledge of MATLAB programming.

- Strong mathematical background and rigorous analytical thinking.

- Excellent spoken and written English and multi-cultural communication skills.

- Ability to pursue both independent and collaborative research.

- Open-minded and enthusiastic approach to research with the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds.

See also the education requirements for doctoral training given by the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS) .

What we offer:

- A competitive salary and numerous benefits (such as paid leave, pension, occupational healthcare, and holiday bonus).

- A unique position at the top of 6G research within one of the leading and largest academic groups in the field.

- Modern research facilities and a lively, cross-disciplinary, and international work environment.

- Opportunities for research collaborations with our top-tier international partners and fully paid secondments.

- Possibility for internships with our local industrial partners.

- A wide variety of benefits provided by the Finnish government (e.g., access to national healthcare and high-quality, affordable childcare) and support services offered by the University of Oulu (e.g., spouse programme).

Contract and salary:

The positions are full-time and fixed-term for 4 years, during which you are expected to complete the doctoral degree. A trial period of 6 months is applied. The starting date will be 1st of February 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. The salary will be based on the levels 2–4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (maximum 50% of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately 2500–2600€ per month (before taxes). The terms of employment are determined by the Collective Agreement for Finnish Universities.

How to apply:

Applications with all the required attachments must be submitted using the electronic application form by 8th of January 2023 (23:59 Finnish time). Please include the following attachments in PDF format:

1) A motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant’s professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Information on personal research interests, experience, and career plans are also valuable.

2) Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity http://www.tenk.fi/en/template-researchers-curriculum-vitae , including a list of publications (if available) and contact information of two referees who may be asked to give a statement about the applicant.

3) Certificates/diplomas: scanned copies of the original Master’s and Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts of records and, when necessary, official translations to Finnish or English.

Only applications containing all the necessary attachments and submitted through the electronic application form will be considered. Top applicants will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Contact details:

For further information, please contact:

Assistant Professor Italo Atzeni, italo.atzeni(AT)oulu.fi, https://cc.oulu.fi/~iatzeni18/

Professor Markku Juntti, markku.juntti(AT)oulu.fi, https://www.oulu.fi/en/researchers/markku-juntti

Professor Antti Tölli, antti.tolli(AT)oulu.fi, https://cc.oulu.fi/~atolli/

About Oulu, Finland:

Finland has been crowned the world's happiest country in 2022 for the fifth year in a row. The capital of Northern Finland, the City of Oulu, is a combination of beautiful northern nature, vivid cultural life, and modern technology. Oulu is also known for its highly educated people and friendly, easy-going atmosphere. The residents of Oulu enjoy the high standard of living Finland is known for, while the cost of living is still affordable in national comparison. The Oulu region is home to over 250 000 people, making it the largest urban centre in northern Nordics and one of the fastest growing regions in Finland. Find out more about Oulu: https://www.oulu.fi/university/living-in-oulu .