Doctoral scholarship holder Wireless Localization and Sensing in Integrated Satellite and Terre[...]

Doctoral scholarship holder Wireless Localization and Sensing in Integrated Satellite and Terrestrial Networks

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The Department of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full‑time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Wireless Localization and Sensing in Integrated Satellite and Terrestrial Networks.

This PhD position is centred on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for highly accurate localisation, tracking, and collision avoidance of unmanned vehicles (UAVs) using terrestrial 5G/6G networks and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Rather than relying solely on dedicated positioning technologies such as GNSS, the research investigates how communication signals themselves can simultaneously provide reliable wireless connectivity and high‑precision sensing. The objective is to develop localisation and sensing algorithms that achieve near‑GNSS accuracy while improving robustness, energy efficiency, and spectrum utilisation in integrated terrestrial and non‑terrestrial networks.

Position

• You will conduct high quality research under the supervision of Prof. Raf Berkvens and Dr. Thomas Janssen as a member of the IDLab research group at imec and the University of Antwerp.
• You will closely collaborate with other researchers at IDLab.
• You will develop novel ISAC‑based collision avoidance algorithms that exploit communication signals and their reflections to sense surrounding obstacles, nearby UAVs and the environment. The developed methods will combine wireless sensing with digital map information (e.g. 3D building models), enabling safe autonomous navigation in complex urban environments. The algorithms will be validated using realistic simulations and experimental measurements obtained from software‑defined radios, 5G testbeds and LEO satellite receivers available within IDLab’s research infrastructure.
• You will write detailed technical evaluation reports on the developed solutions, implementation, and experiments, leading to publications in major conferences and journals in the field of wireless communications, and/or embedded computing.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology Department (at most 20% of your time).

Profile

• You have a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results (as a minimum requirement distinction and preferably great distinction).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have a profound knowledge of wireless communications, networking, and signal processing.
• You have at least intermediate knowledge of machine learning algorithms.
• Knowledge of satellite communications, wireless sensing, radio propagation, optimisation, or digital twins is considered an asset.
• You have strong programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB.
• Knowledge of machine learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow), SDR hardware (e.g., USRP), and software (e.g., GNURadio, MATLAB, LabView) is a plus.
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
• You have a high proficiency in oral and written English.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation each year, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
• The planned start date is 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• An inspiring and modern work environment in The Beacon innovation hub, walking distance from the historical city center of Antwerp.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art lab infrastructure, including an AI compute cluster, and a recently deployed 6G Perceptive Radio Lab with cutting‑edge Software Defined Radios and programmable beamformers to conduct real‑world ISAC experiments.

Job details

• Title: Doctoral scholarship holder Wireless Localization and Sensing in Integrated Satellite and Terrestrial Networks
• Closing date: 31 August 2026