Doctoral scholarship holder low-latency wireless embedded systems

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- University of Antwerp

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The Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of low-latency wireless embedded systems.

The research of this PhD position will be conducted within the IDLab-UAntwerp research group. The successful candidate will join a diverse and international team of about members working on fundamental and applied research across the broad spectrum of digital communication networks and data-driven inference. IDLab-UAntwerp is embedded within both imec and the University of Antwerp. imec was founded in and is today the world’s largest independent research and innovation centre for nanoelectronics and digital technology.

The PhD project focuses on the design of next-generation wireless communication systems for real-time applications such as robotics, industrial automation, drone swarms, and smart environments. A fundamental challenge in these systems is enabling large numbers of devices to coordinate and exchange information within strict timing constraints. Existing wireless networks in this context often struggle to simultaneously provide both low latency and scalability. This project investigates novel communication mechanisms and experimental platforms for ultra-low-latency, highly scalable cyber-physical systems, combining embedded systems, digital communications, wireless networking and software development through hands-on experimentation. The research offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies for future cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Position

You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of wireless and embedded communication systems.
You will conduct high-quality fundamental research under the supervision of Prof. Jonathan Oostvogels.
You will report progress to your supervisor and supervisory committees.
You will publish your research in leading international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
You will make supporting scientific contributions to existing research projects complementary to your own doctoral research, in collaboration with other researchers.
You will (learn to) compete for internal or external research funding.
You will assist in teaching lab sessions of relevant courses at bachelor or master level (circa 10% of your time).

Profile

You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
You have strong programming skills in C and at least one high-level language (e.g. Python).
You have a solid understanding of wireless network stacks and/or experience with embedded programming on modern microcontrollers (e.g. ARM Cortex M).
Knowledge of software-defined radios, wireless IoT protocols, digital signal processing, and/or real-time software systems is a plus.
You have strong communication skills in English, both oral and written.
Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and .
You value quality, integrity, creativity, cooperation, critical thinking and scientific curiosity.

What we offer

We offer
a fully funded doctoral scholarship for an initial period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed, up to a maximum duration of four years total.

We offer
the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education. As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the .
Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the for doctoral scholarship holders.
You will receive ecocheques, an Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
Preferred start date: as soon as possible. The exact starting date will be determined together with the selected candidate, taking into account possible visa procedures and other practicalMost of your work will take place in , within walking distance of the historic city centre of Antwerp and the university’s City Campus.
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