PhD Candidate in Next Generation Space and Ground-Based Wireless Communication and Sensor Technology

Luleå University of Technology is experiencing strong growth with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and from the Arctic region, we create global societal benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national, and regional companies, public actors, and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of nearly 2.1 billion SEK per year. We currently have 1,900 employees and 18,700 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in large projects aimed at creating a more sustainable society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly relevant research projects and the societal transformation that follows. We have a wide range of educational programs to match the skills in demand. We hope you want to help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is seeking a PhD candidate who wants to conduct research in the field of next-generation space and ground-based wireless communication and sensor technology together with the signal processing group. We are looking for someone who is ambitious and creative, has a master's degree and strong analytical skills, and who wants to contribute to groundbreaking research in this area.

Subject Description

The subject encompasses signal processing with a focus on the development and optimization of algorithms for processing one- and multidimensional signals closely related to applications and applied research.

Project Description

In the sixth generation (6G) wireless systems, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will be integrated with ground-based systems to achieve true global coverage. This enables low-latency broadband and IoT services even in rural areas and hard-to-reach places, with high energy efficiency.

To achieve this and avoid interference, signals from satellites, ground stations, base stations, and a large number of users must be integrated in an energy-efficient manner, using technologies such as massive and distributed MIMO and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). In addition to traditional communication services, goals such as integrated sensing (ISAC) and positioning are also important for 6G. The research will primarily be theoretical, but LTU has testbeds for possible experiments.

The main purpose of the project is to investigate fundamental principles and methods for how to communicate, localize, and sense in an energy-efficient manner using wireless signals between LEO satellites and the ground, supported by technologies such as MIMO and RIS. The research is fully funded and will be conducted at the Department of Signal and Systems at LTU under the supervision of Associate Professor Rickard Nilsson, LTU, and co-supervision by Professor Emil Björnson, KTH, as well as possibly professors from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). The results will be published in top scientific conferences and journals, preparing you for a future in both academia and industry.

Responsibilities

A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD candidate, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take mandatory and elective PhD courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out a teaching role. As a researcher, you will work as a neutral party in many contexts, providing a fantastic opportunity to learn how to drive challenging development projects.

Qualifications

To be eligible for doctoral studies, a master's degree or equivalent in signal processing, wireless communication, or mathematics is required. The research will focus on signals at the physical layer but may also include aspects of media access control and network layer. The methodology is expected to include signal processing, communication theory, mathematics, wave propagation, electromagnetics, optimization, machine learning, and network technology. Documented experience in these areas, especially in the form of publications, is advantageous. You should have excellent skills in English, both spoken and written.

For further information on specific doctoral education, see the study plans for doctoral education within the Faculty of Technology.

Information

Employment as a PhD candidate is time-limited to 4 years, with teaching and other departmental duties possibly adding up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. Expected start date upon agreement.

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Rickard Nilsson, 0920-49 1594, rickard.o.nilsson@ltu.se.

Union Representatives:

SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se.

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, attaching a personal letter and CV/resume and copies of verified degree certificates. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and degree certificates must be written in Swedish or English.

Application deadline: May 11, 2025
Reference number: 1500-2025