Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering oriented towards Massive MIMO - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The research area of this doctoral student deals with Massive MIMO, a wireless communication technique gaining much attention, where massive number of antennas and transceiver chains makes possible large gains in spectral and energy efficiencies. Scaling up MIMO systems in this manner makes the entire construction less sensitive to the quality of individual transceiver chains and leads to large gains in both spectral and energy efficiency. The research is performed in the context of a large joint research project with Ericsson AB, where we are investigating different aspects of massive MIMO technologies and applications. For more information on this cooperation see the Ericsson Research Blog (https://www.ericsson.com/research-blog/ericsson-goes-massive-lund-university/).

Work duties
The research work associated with this doctoral student position deals with Massive MIMO scaling laws. Investigations will be done of scaling laws describing the relationships between number of antennas, system performance and hardware quality requirements. Such laws are an important part of realizing Massive MIMO systems. The investigations also include practical limits on channel hardening effects, efficient precoding techniques adapted to low-cost analog front ends and various system form-factors. Establishing these relationships makes it possible to set realistic design specifications and speed up the entire Massive MIMO design process, on all levels.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Electrical Engineering if he or she has:

• been awarded at least 60 credits in the second cycle with relevance to Electrical Engineering, or
• a MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information and Communication Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics, or Engineering Nanoscience.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience with mathematical modelling and analysis of wireless communication systems, especially MIMO systems and variations thereof. This also includes experience of the software tools used, such as MATLAB.
• Understanding of fundamental concepts in communication theory and related areas.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.