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

Subject description
The research area for the doctoral student is highly accurate positioning in real environments using radio signals in the millimeter-wave (mmWave) band, i.e. the higher frequency bands for 5G. One important reason to open up mmWave frequencies for 5G is the availability of bandwidth. Large bandwidth means that high data rates can be supported, but it also means that there is an inherent capability to get good delay resolution, which directly enables accurate time of arrival based positioning and localization. The use of mmWave frequencies in cellular systems also means that adaptive and directive array antennas have to be used in order to overcome the high path loss caused by the high frequencies. This in turn means that some kind of angular information is available, which further enhances the capabilities for accurate positioning.

For highly accurate positioning, we should not restrict the positioning system to use only the first or strongest multipath component, but we should use all the positioning information inherently provided by all the multipath components of the channel. When tracking the multipath components, i.e. their delays and incoming/outgoing angles, we can also figure out how the user equipment has moved. Over time we can also learn the environment, i.e. where the important or common scatters are located so that we both can get improved accuracy in the position estimate and improve the stability and performance of the communication service itself by this improved radio map.

The research project contains three interlinked parts: 1) Parameter tracking methods for mmWave radio based positioning, 2) Channel characterization and modeling for mmWave radio based positioning, 3) Directional mmWave multipath aided positioning and tracking methods.

Work duties
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%).

The position is fully funded and a part of WASP (Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program), which is a large research programme on autonomous systems and software, involving multiple disciplines at multiple Swedish universities and close collaboration with industry. The doctoral student will be enrolled in the WASP graduate school, which involves joint PhD courses, summer school, winter conference, and international study trips.

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:

• Knowledge in statistical signal processing and mathematical modelling.
• Experience from analysis of wireless communication systems. This also includes experience of the software tools used, such as MATLAB.
• Experience from radio channel characterization and modelling.
• Knowledge in electromagnetics or antenna design.
• Experience of array processing or beamforming techniques.

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.).