PhD Student

Job description

Phd researcher Intelligent Wireless Networking on 6G RAN Optimization

Job description
Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15.000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.
With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research in a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.
Imec is the world's leading independent nanoelectronics R&D hub. The combination of talent, infrastructure, and partner network enables breakthroughs towards microchips that are smaller, faster, more affordable, and more sustainable. We combine that nanotech expertise with data and AI to create and support applications for a smarter, better future.
The IDLab Ghent University research group, which is embedded in IMEC, is seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD student to join the Intelligent Wireless Network (iWiNe) group. The team is working on networking systems targeting deterministic guarantees on end-to-end service delivery to/between heterogeneous networked devices in dynamic wireless environments through collaborative management approaches.

YOUR JOB
This PhD research aims to investigate beyond state-of-the art technology enablers for the next-generation cellular paradigm, called 6G. The main focus will be on Radio Access Network (RAN) optimisation mechanisms within the Open-RAN (O-RAN) framework to meet strict and diverse requirements of emerging use cases in the 6G era, such as mission-critical communication in crisis situations, smart industry and autonomous vehicles.
The research objectives include (but are not limited to): O-RAN based architectural integration of 5G/6G and Wi-Fi, development of advanced algorithms and optimisation techniques to enhance the performance and efficiency of the integrated RAN, spectrum management strategies for efficient utilisation of wireless resources and methods for optimal unicast and multicast/broadcast transmissions.
The candidate will be validating and evaluating the developed mechanisms utilizing simulation tools and in-house cutting-edge cellular/Wi-Fi testbeds and tools.

Your main tasks will include:

• Studying state-of-the-art techniques and benchmarks in the domain of the next generation O-RAN based wireless networks (including 6G and Wi-Fi)
• Design and implement novel techniques for RAN optimization with a focus on intelligent radio resource allocation
• Collaborate towards a proof-of-concept implementation for testing and validating the created solutions using simulation and real-life testbeds
• Writing high-quality publications, targeting top journals and international conferences.
  
  

Your final target of the research is obtaining a PhD degree. In addition to your primary research responsibilities, you will actively contribute to the educational mission of our institution by providing (limited) support for courses in the area of Mobile Wireless Access Networks.
In addition, you can take on a mentoring role by supervising master theses related to the subject of this PhD.

Job profile

We are looking for a highly creative and motivated PhD student with the following qualifications and skills:

• You have (or will obtain before the starting date, i.e., a few months after application) a (European) master's degree in computer science, Mathematics, Artificial Intelligence, or equivalent, with excellent (‘honors’-level) grades. Your degree must be equivalent to 5 years of studies (bachelor + master) in the European Union.
• You have a strong background in wireless and mobile networks and machine learning
• You have excellent coding skills; hands-on experience in programming languages, such as C++, Python, ….
• You have strong analytical skills to interpret the obtained research results.
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
• Your English is fluent (C1 CEFR level) both speaking and writing. Knowledge of Dutch is a nice-to-have, for practical use case collaboration.
  
  

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral fellow, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which - after a positive evaluation, will be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• Your contract will start on 01/05/2024 at the earliest.
• The fellowship amount is 100% of the net salary of an AAP member in equal family circumstances. The individual fellowship amount is determined by the Department of Personnel and Organization based on family status and seniority. A grant that meets the conditions and criteria of the regulations for doctoral fellowships is considered free of personal income tax. Click here for more information about our salary scales
• All Ghent University staff members enjoy a number of benefits, such as a wide range of training and education opportunities, 36 days of holiday leave (on an annual basis for a full-time job) supplemented by annual fixed bridge days, bicycle allowance and eco vouchers. Click here for a complete overview of all the staff benefits (in Dutch).

How to apply

Send your application by email to prof. Ingrid Moerman (ingrid.moerman@ugent.be) with the subject ‘Application: PhD at iWiNe (6G RAN Optimization)’.
Please add Dries Naudts (dries.naudt@ugent.be) and Vasilis Maglogiannis (vasilis.maglogiannis@ugent.be) in cc.
Applications should include:

• A motivation letter (highlighting why you believe you are a suitable candidate for the position & why you want this position)
• Copy of your diploma (if already in your possession)
• An academic/professional resume
• Transcripts of study results
• At least two reference contacts
• A short overview describing your earlier research or technical work (e.g., scientific papers, master thesis, report on project work, etc.). Note: This may deviate from the topic of the advertised position
  
  

After a first screening, selected candidates will be invited for an interview (in person or remotely via MS Teams)
Start of the Ph.D. research: Possible as early as May 2024, but we aim for September 2024, for recently graduated students.

More info on:
https://idlab.technology/
https://wireless.idlab.technology/
https://www.imec-int.com/en
https://www.o-ran.org/
https://www.gsma.com/