PhD on Forward Error Correction for Next-Generation Communications Systems

Irène Curie Fellowship

No

Department(s)

Electrical Engineering

Reference number

V36.7227

Are you fascinated by the massive data center infrastructure required to make artificial intelligence (AI) happen? Or are you fascinated by the idea of high-speed space Internet, envisioned to be powered by more than 50000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites expected to be launched within 10 years? Join us on this research project in collaboration with multiple industrial partners to develop the next generation of forward error correction schemes, efficient decoding algorithms, and low-power architectures.

Job Description

In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, AI stands as a cornerstone of innovation, transforming industries, and shaping the way we interact with the digital world. As AI continues to advance, the demand for lightning-fast and ultra-low-latency data processing and communication within datacenters has never been more critical. Moreover, satellite-based links are of key importance to provide ever-increasing data rates and high-speed networking to remote areas. Free-space optics is a technology that can help satisfy this demand thanks to the vast amounts of bandwidth available in the THz-regime.

The Eindhoven University of Technology recognizes these challenges and we are excited to announce PhD positions in the general field of forward error correction coding for next-generation wired and wireless communications systems. These two positions are part of a collaborative research project between several industrial partners and two research groups at TU/e: the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) and the Electronic Systems (ES) group. Successful candidates will work on cutting-edge research with engineers and researchers from industry giving them access to state-of-the-art technology and resources, as well as the chance to contribute to real-world industry applications and to perform research internships abroad.

• A Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience in forward error correction coding demonstrated by, e.g., a Master’s thesis, research internship, or industrial experience on this topic.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in a collaborative interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industry.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• (Optional) Some experience in RTL design and FPGA prototyping using VHDL/Verilog and/or HLS tools.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 27 (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process .
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

The Information and Communication Theory Lab (ICT Lab) at TU/e is a globally recognized research group focusing on information and communication theory, and its applications. At the ICT Lab, we study information processing in a broad sense. We focus on finding fundamental limits but also on the data processing techniques (often codes and digital signal processing algorithms) and architectures that aim at approaching these limits. Main areas of interest are source coding, channel coding, multi-user information theory, security, and machine learning. We typically use information-theoretical frameworks to model the scenarios under investigation. This allows us to find out what the optimal trade-offs are. The scenarios that we study often result from close interaction with industry.

Curious to hear more about research at the ICT Lab? Please view this video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring managers dr. Alex Alvarado, Full Professor (SPS Group) at a.alvarado[at]tue.nl, Dr. Gabriele Liga, Assistant Professor (SPS group) at g.liga[at]tue.nl, and Alexios Balatsoukas-Stimming (ES Group) at a.k.balatsoukas.stimming[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. For More information about the research groups in this project please visit

https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/ict-lab
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems/signal-processing-for-communications-lab

For any other informal inquires, please contact the secretary of the ICT Lab,
Mrs. Emerald Clump-Busser at ictlab[at]tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page .

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• BSc and MSc transcripts
• Up to two written scientific reports (e.g., BSc/MSc thesis, traineeship report, or scientific paper) in any language (preferably in English)

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.