Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Within the subject of Electrical Engineering at Lund University we perform research in electromagnetic field theory, electronics, networks, security, signal processing, wire-line and wireless communication. The aim of research within the field is to arrive at an understanding of the underlying physical context through theoretical and experimental methods, and to formulate, realize and verify effective solutions in different applications within the field of electrical engineering.

Work duties
This research position is in the area of telecommunication and information theory, with focus on channel coding and iterative receivers.

Iterative (turbo) receivers, dealing with receiver tasks of various kinds such as decoding, equalization, synchronization, and detection for multi-antenna and multiuser systems, have become ubiquitous in modern communication systems. While the optimal receiver is prohibitely complex, iterative receivers achieve high performance gains with respect to the classical approach where the receiver tasks are performed independently after each other, yet with affordable complexity.

The purpose of this research is to investigate the possibilities and limitations of such iterative receiver structures using tools borrowed from modern coding theory and to address the following fundamental questions: How much is lost by iterative processing compared to an optimal receiver? What are the achievable limits for low-complexity algorithms, and how do they depend on the components involved? In particular, it will be investigated how the recent concept of spatial coupling can be used to enhance the performance of iterative receivers, and as a tool to derive fundamental limits on their asymptotic performance. The work involves both a theoretical assessment of the considered algorithms and an evaluation by means of computer simulations.

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 will 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:

• at least 60 second-cycle credits in subjects of relevance to electrical engineering, or
• a MSc in Engineering in biomedical engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering mathematics, nanoengineering, engineering physics or information and communication engineering.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Education and good knowledge in digital communications and/or information theory.

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:

• A strong background in mathematics and skills in simulation of communications systems.
• Documented knowledge or experience in coding/modulation techniques and/or iterative receivers.
• Experience in computer programming.

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 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).