Postdoctoral position in Electrical Engineering focusing on cloud-native platforms for XR/VR offloading in 6G communication systems

Description of the workplace

The Department of Electrical and Information Technology at Lund University houses a wide range of research groups, including those that focus on internet-connected systems and wireless communication. Positioned at the intersection of these two areas and within the Division of Secure and Networked Systems, this position offers an opportunity to work on integrating advanced wireless technology with innovative computing to shape the future of cloud computing in 6G 
communications systems.

The department offers a collaborative and inclusive culture that promotes creativity, initiative and interdisciplinary thinking. You will be part of a team committed to high-impact research, where theoretical insights are combined with practical applications, in an environment that values ​​innovation, supports professional development and encourages a good work-life balance. This environment is ideal for those who enjoy solving complex problems and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in real-time, low-latency applications.

Project description

This position is part of NextG2Com – a Vinnova Competence Center coordinated by Lund University. NextG2Com is a competence center focused on future advanced communication systems that integrate wireless communication technology and networks, software, data, and security through relevant application areas (advanced digitalization). In NextG2Com, Lund University collaborates with industry and public-sector actors with support from Vinnova. 
More on NextG2Com (NextG2Com)

You will have access to world-leading facilities such as the LISA 6G test bed and Lund University's 5G lab and work together with leading experts in both academia and industry, including external partners.
More on LISA 6G test bed (elliit.se/lisa)

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will play a central role in designing and implementing a cloud-native platform for scalable, low-latency XR/VR offloading and migration in 6G networks. This is a hands-on, system-building role with a clear focus on real-world deployment and performance, targeting constrained edge hardware such as the Xilinx RFSoC platform within the LISA 6G testbed.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a postdoctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Your primary focus will be on conducting high-impact research in advanced computing solutions for 6G wireless networks. This includes the development, integration, and optimization of Kubernetes for specialized hardware platforms. You will actively engage in research projects, collaborate with both academic and industry partners, and contribute to third-cycle courses as part of your role. Additionally, you will lead the implementation and validation of your research outcomes, ensuring they meet both scientific rigor and industry relevance.

Your work will focus on adapting Kubernetes for lightweight, heterogeneous environments, enabling XR/VR applications—typically developed in Unity—to offload compute-intensive tasks dynamically across a distributed infrastructure. A critical part of this effort will involve integrating and exposing hardware accelerators, such as GPUs and FPGAs, to offloading applications in a seamless and portable way. This includes implementing runtime logic and resource scheduling strategies that can leverage available hardware acceleration while maintaining low startup time and predictable latency.

The overarching ambition is to create a fast, modular, and scalable edge-cloud platform that can support next-generation immersive applications and serve as a reference deployment for future 6G networks.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Conduct practical research in cloud-native architecture for edge computing, tightly integrated with wireless access networks.
• Develop and deploy Kubernetes-based platforms for constrained and heterogeneous hardware (e.g., Xilinx RFSoC).
• Design and implement lightweight, latency-aware orchestration strategies for XR/VR task offloading and migration.
• Build fast, modular components that support scalability, repeatability, and robust service operation.
• Validate solutions in the LISA 6G testbed and document insights in high quality publications.
• Collaborate closely with academic and industrial partners to ensure real world applicability and alignment with evolving 6G visions.

The position includes travel for conferences, workshops, and collaboration with partners.

Qualification requirements 

Appointment to a postdoctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Strong programming ability and hands-on experience with modern cloud-native technologies.
• Familiarity with container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes) and deployment on heterogeneous or resource-constrained systems.
• Understanding of hardware acceleration techniques involving GPU and FPGA integration.
• Experience with Linux environments, distributed systems, and cloud platforms.
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively, and across disciplinary boundaries.
• Knowledge of XR/VR systems or Unity is considered an advantage.

Assessment criteria 

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a postdoctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills. 

Other qualifications:

• Knowledge of cloud computing platforms.

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

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. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral fellow”).
The start date is as soon as possible according to agreement, however no later than December 31, 2025.

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!