Doctoral student in Electrical Engineering focusing on algorithms for 6G Systems

Description of the workplace

The Department of Electrical and Information Technology conducts high-quality research in a variety of areas in Electrical Engineering, ranging from pure theoretical research to applied projects in close collaboration with industry. The department consists of about 100 active researchers, divided into four main divisions: Communications Engineering, Electromagnetics and Nanoelectronics, Integrated electronic systems and Secure and Networked Systems. 

The position is associated to the Division of Communications Engineering. The research carried out at this division focuses on next generation wireless systems, from theory to practice. You will be participating in the SSF CHI project “Large Intelligent Surfaces – Architecture and Hardware” which is linked to the Division. 

Subject description

Large Intelligent Surface (LIS) is a candidate technology for 6G which extends the concept of Massive MIMO by densely packing antennas throughout whole surfaces. Practical implementations LIS may consist of distributed panels which should be jointly coordinated. Due to the large number of antennas/panels, developing algorithms to suitably process the data to/from all these antennas/panels becomes crucial. You will work in the area of algorithmic research and development for decentralized processing within this context.

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 will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

You will design and implement decentralized processing algorithms for large multi-antenna systems, some of which will be tested in our 6G testbed. You will also contribute to the design of the 6G testbed by identifying trade-offs, requirements and limitations from the algorithmic perspective. The research outputs will be disseminated through publication in high impact journals, as well as through participation in international conferences.

Admission requirements 

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant: 

• 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 the applicant 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.
• Good knowledge of wireless communication systems, especially in the context of multi-antenna systems.
• Fundamental knowledge of signal processing techniques for communication.
• Good programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python.
• Experience in algorithm design and practical implementation.
• Good skills in mathematics, especially within linear algebra and optimization. 

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: 

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

Other assessment criteria:

• Experience with simulation tools (especially based on MATLAB and Python).
• Experience with development tools for digital platforms (especially FPGA and SDR).

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

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

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 §§. The start date is as soon as possible according to agreement but no later than December 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

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.).

Welcome to apply!