Research Associate (Postdoc) in design and optimization of 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks

The University of Luxembourg is seeking to hire a highly motivated and an outstanding researcher in the area of optimization performance of interference-limited wireless communication systems for its Interdisciplinary Centre of Security and Trust (SnT), within the Signal Processing and Communications (SigCom) research group, led by Prof. Björn Ottersten and Dr. Symeon Chatzinotas.

SnT carries out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) systems and services, often in collaboration with governmental, industrial and international partners.  SnT is active in several national projects funded by National Research Fund (FNR) and local industries, and international research projects funded by the EU FP7 programme, H2020 programme and the European Space Agency (ESA). For further information, you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu

The SigCom research group carries out research activities in the areas of signal processing for wireless communication systems including satellite communications and radar systems, and is currently expanding its research activities in exploring several emerging use cases of next generation wireless communications systems. For details, you may refer to the following: 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!

Your Role...

This is a fully funded postdoc position for 2 years 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 postdoc are defined inaccordance to the INSTRUCT directions, and also aligned with the research interest of SES towards their next-generation of satellite systems. More precisely, the work aims at addressing the challenges of a seamless integration between 6G networks and multi-layered non-terrestrial systems.

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 successful candidates are expected to perform the following tasks:

• Analyzing and investigating novel scenarios and use cases where the 5G-NTN architecture can bring benefits
• Developing novel technological solutions able to provide a good performance-complexity trade-off for the identified scenarios and use cases
• Implementing and developing a software and/or hardware testing environment to compare and evaluate the proposed techniques
• Disseminating results through scientific publications and conferences
• Contribute to the research project INSTRUCT, coordinating technical contribution and/or preparing project deliverables
• Integrate with the SIGCOM team and identify synergies between INSTRUCT project and on-going activities

Your Profile...

• A PhD degree in Telecommunication Engineering, or Electrical Engineering or Computer Science/engineering with a focus on wireless communications
• Experience with 5G-NR waveform (3GPP releases) and/or non-terrestrial air interface
• Experience with a number of optimization tools
• International experience is desirable
• Sound publication track record in relevant international conferences and top journals in the following research areas (at least one IEEE Transaction publication is mandatory):
• Strong programming skills in MATLAB. Python / TensorFlow, JULIA and C++ are desirable but not mandatory
• Experience of working with industrial projects or public funded research projects is highly desirable
• Highly committed, excellent team-worker, and strong critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Here’s what awaits you at SnT...

• 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 55 industry partners
• 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

Find out more about us!

In Short...

• Contract Type: Contrat à durée déterminée 24 Mois (which may be extended up to five years)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Heures par Semaine
• Location: Kirchberg
• Job Reference: UOL05607

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 79095 full time

How to apply...

Applications, written in English should be submitted online and include:

• Curriculum Vitae, including:
  • Contact address
  • For each degree received or currently enrolled in, provide the degree, institution name, institution city and country, and start date and date (or expected date) of graduation. Include the title and short summary of your PhD Thesis and supervisor name (and Bachelor / Master Thesis if you did one)
    • If you do not have yet received your PhD but will do soon, please include a tentative graduation date
  • List of publications(authors, title, journal/conference name and date of publication). Provide a link in case of open access
  • Name, affiliation, and contact details of three referees
• 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 ONLINE 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.

About the University of Luxembourg...

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.

Further information

For further information, please contact us at eva.lagunas@uni.lu