Research Associate in Joint Sensing and Communications for Next Generation Wireless Networks

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) is carrying out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services, often in collaboration with industrial, governmental or international partners. The SPARC group at SnT, headed by Prof. Bhavani Shankar and advised by Prof. Bjorn Ottersten, is pursuing research on signal processing applications in radar and wireless communications and radar in partnership with national and international academic and industrial collaborators.

As part of the collaboration in the emerging field of joint sensing and communications, SnT/SPARC is leading a research project titled, “Sensing-Aided Communication for High Mobility with High Directivity,” in collaboration with Prof. Giuseppe Caire (TUB, Technical University Berlin) and Prof. Gerhard Kramer and Prof. Mari Kobayashi (TUM, Technical University Munich). This research project explores the fundamental aspects of communications for sensing, sensing for communications and integrated sensing and communications from information theoretic, wireless communication and signal processing perspectives in the emerging scenario of high mobility utilizing high frequency bands is explored. This fully funded project is aimed at furthering the state-of-the-art in Beyond 5G, pursuing joint research and envisages exchange of researchers. While the area of Integrated Sensing and Communications is garnering a lot of attention in the context of B5G, the topic considered in SENCOM is rather unexplored, thereby offering a platform for pioneering research.

In the aforementioned project, SPARC research group will focus on the signal processing and wireless communication aspects of integrated sensing and communications. It is in a unique position towards realizing the objectives of the project having exposure to radar signal processing through ongoing research projects, evolution of communication standards through participation and contribution as well as experience with prototype chip sets from the test-bench development activity.

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

The primary research will be on design, optimization and adaptation of a joint radar communication system for the high bandwidth high mobility scenarios. The research focus would be on :

• Novel System Architectures including in high mobility joint radar and communication systems with distributed nodes, exploring the use of ultra-massive MIMO and intelligent surfaces (RIS/ LIS) and use cases including UAVs and IoT networks
• Information fusion techniques using model based and data driven approaches to reinforce the sensing and communication systems
• Impact of current standardization paradigms on integrated sensing and communications, e.g., UR-LLC

The current role requires the execution of the following tasks by the candidate 

• Pursue research in aforementioned areas and disseminate research output in international peer-reviewed venues
• Collaborate with internationally recognized researchers from TU Munich and TU Berlin
• Support the group in expanding research portfolio through new research lines
• Take a leading role in individual/ collective project proposals to expand group’s activities
• Assist in the supervision of Doctoral candidates
• Support the lab activities on joint radar communication

• A Ph.D. degree in Telecommunication Engineering, or Electrical Engineering or Computer Science/engineering with a focus relevant to the position
• A proven record of accomplishment in one or both of the areas
  • Signal processing for Wireless Communications with a focus on physical layers of LTE and 5G NR; knowledge of higher-layer signaling processes in LTE and 5G protocol is desirable
  • Radar Signal Processing with focus on waveforms and receiver processing for colocated/ distributed mmWave (and beyond) MIMO radar, techniques for handling extended targets and widely distributed radar

Experience: The ideal candidate should have good theoretical background in a number of the following topics:

• Multiuser MIMO Communications, 5G
• Radar Systems and Signal Processing
• Signal Processing in Wireless Sensor Networks and Radar Systems
• Optimization methodologies
• Information Theory
• Machine Learning

Development skills in MATLAB/ python is required and exposure to latest communication and radar technologies, linear algebra and Tensors are desirable. Exposure to HW prototyping using USRPs is definitely a plus.

Language Skills: Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

• Exciting infrastructures and unique labs. At SnT’s two campuses, our researchers can take a walk on the moon at the LunaLab, build a nanosatellite, or help make autonomous vehicles even better
• The right place for IMPACT. SnT researchers engage in demand-driven projects. Through our Partnership Programme, we work on projects with more than 45 industry partners
• Be part of a multicultural family. At SnT we have more than 60 nationalities. Throughout the year, we organise team-building events, networking activities and more

Find out more about us!

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month (extension possible up to 60 months)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Job Reference: UOL04578

Applications in English should include:

• Full CV, including list of publications, PhD thesis and names (and contact information including email addresses) of references
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

The University of Luxembourg embraces inclusion and diversity as key values. We are fully committed to removing any discriminatory barrier related to gender, and not only, in recruitment and career progression of our staff.

University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 and counts more than 6,700 students and more than 2,000 employees from around the world. The University’s faculties and interdisciplinary centres focus on research in the areas of Computer Science and ICT Security, Materials Science, European and International Law, Finance and Financial Innovation, Education, Contemporary and Digital History. In addition, the University focuses on cross-disciplinary research in the areas of Data Modelling and Simulation as well as Health and System Biomedicine. Times Higher Education ranks the University of Luxembourg #3 worldwide for its “international outlook,” #20 in the Young University Ranking 2021 and among the top 250 universities worldwide.

For further information, please contact us at [email protected]  or [email protected]