Doctoral Candidate (PhD student) in Demand-based optimization of Multi-beam Satellite...

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) invites applications from highly motivated PhD candidates in the general area of of radio resource allocation for emerging wireless networks within its Signal Processing and Communications (SIGCOM) research group. SnT carries out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services, often in collaboration with industrial, governmental or international partners. For further information, you may refer to www.securityandtrust.lu

The SIGCOM research group is headed by Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas and Prof. Björn Ottersten. The team focuses on signal processing for satellite/wireless communications/networking and radar applications.  The research on communications focuses on the formulation, modelling, design, and analysis of future communication networks (beyond 5G) that are capable of supporting new services in a cost efficient manner. In the B5G domain, SIGCOM addresses large antenna systems, multiuser MIMO systems, Non orthogonal Multiple Access, radio resource management, mmWave beamforming, physical layer security, full duplex systems, wireless power transfer, software defined networking and network automation. In the satellite domain, SIGCOM addresses transceiver design, onboard processing, active antennas, multi-beam processing, optical communications, localization, spectrum monitoring and network performance optimization. The analysis is based on traditional statistical and optimization methods, as well as learning-assisted approaches for offline training and operational system monitoring/control. The communication activities are supported by CommLab, which exploits Software Defined Radios for fast prototyping and demonstration. For further information, you may refer to https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/sigcom

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!

This is a fully funded position for 3 years (extendable to an additional 4th  year) within a large, national research project (INSTRUCT - INtegrated Satellite-TeRrestrial Systems for Ubiquitous Beyond 5G CommunicaTions). The project is run in close cooperation with SES (https://www.ses.com/ ). Therefore, the objectives of the PhD project are defined in accordance to the project directions, and also aligned with the research interest of SES towards their next-generation of satellite systems. More precisely, the PhD project aims at addressing the resource optimization (power, bandwidth, frequency, time scheduling, beamforming) for sophisticated satellite system equipped with Digital Transparent Payloads (DTP) and Active Antenna Systems (AAS) able to adapt the satellite resources to the real and moving traffic conditions.

The successful candidate will work under the academic supervision of Dr. Eva Lagunas (University of Luxembourg) and under the industrial supervision of Dr. Joel Grotz (SES); and join a strong and motivated research team lead by Prof. Björn Ottersten and Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas.

The candidate is also expected to spend 25% of his/her time at the SES headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg.

The position holder will be required to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the national project “INtegrated Satellite-TeRrestrial Systems for Ubiquitous Beyond 5G CommunicaTions  - INSTRUCT”
• Carry out research in the predefined areas
• Disseminate results through scientific publications
• Present results in well-known international conferences and workshops

Qualification: The candidate should possess a Master degree.

Experience: The ideal candidate should have some knowledge and experience in a number of the following topics:

• Radio resource allocation / Radio resource management (e.g. power allocation, frequency assignment, scheduling, etc)
• Array signal processing and beamforming
• Optimization techniques and tools
• Background in general wireless communications
• Knowledge of satellite communications is highly desirable but not mandatory.
• Knowledge of terrestrial wireless radio resource optimization techniques is considered an advantage.
• Programming skills in MATLAB are required. Python is desirable

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

• A stimulating learning environment. Here post-docs and professors outnumber PhD students. That translates into access and close collaborations with some of the brightest ICT researchers, giving you solid guidance
• 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
• Multiple funding sources for your ideas. The University supports researchers to acquire funding from national, European and private sources
• Competitive salary package. The University offers a 12 month-salary package, over six weeks of paid time off, health insurance and subsidised living and eating
• 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

But wait, there’s more!

Students can take advantage of several opportunities for growth and career development, from free language classes to career resources and extracurricular activities.

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 36 Month (extendable up to 48 months if required)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg
• Employee and student status
• Job Reference: UOL04975

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 38.028,96 (full time)

Applications should be submitted online and include:

• Full CV, including:
  • For each degree received or currently enrolled in, provide the degree, institution name, institution city and country, and date (or expected date) of graduation. Include the title and short summary of your final (Bachelor / Master) Thesis if you did one.
  • List of publications (if any)
  • Name, affiliation and contact details of three referees
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Cover letter with motivations and topics of particular interest to the candidate (approx. 1 page)

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply 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]