PhD Student in Wireless Communication and Security

The Department of Information Technology holds a leading position in both research and education at all levels.

We are currently the third largest department at Uppsala University, with over 350 employees, including 120 teachers and 120 PhD students. Approximately 5000 undergraduate students take one or more courses at the department each year. More information about us can be found on the department's website (https://www.uu.se/institution/informationsteknologi).

At the Department of Computer Engineering, we develop theories and applications of communication systems and computer architecture. Two important goals are to develop and model systems that are energy-efficient and secure. The research groups publish at prestigious conferences and collaborate with international academic and industrial partners. The PhD position is part of the Uppsala University Graduate School in Cybersecurity, which aims to provide all PhD students with a solid education and opportunities for interaction with researchers in cybersecurity.

An example of proposed research projects is briefly described below. The exact focus will be determined in a dialogue between the applicant and the supervisor.

Project Description: Wireless Communication and Security

The overarching goal of the project is to enable secure wireless communication in embedded systems with low energy consumption, such as backscatter communication systems. The focus of the research is to derive methods and building blocks to reduce the complexity of the device and to improve its reliability through collaboration between devices. Among the expected results are prototype implementations to demonstrate and evaluate the research findings.

Job Responsibilities

The PhD student will primarily focus on their own doctoral education. Other duties at the department, including teaching and administrative work, may be included within the framework of the employment (max 20%).

Qualifications

Eligibility for doctoral education is regulated by the Higher Education Ordinance. Basic eligibility is granted to those who:

• have a master's degree in computer science, embedded systems, or electrical engineering, or
• have completed at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, including an independent project of at least 15 higher education credits, or
• have acquired equivalent knowledge in another way.

The university may grant exceptions to the requirement for basic eligibility for an individual applicant if there are specific reasons. (Chapter 7, Section 39 of the Higher Education Ordinance). For specific eligibility, see here (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/fakultet/teknisk-naturvetenskapliga/utbildning-och-undervisning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/amnen-och-studieplaner/amnen).

Specific requirements for this project are as follows: (i) a background in wireless communication and (ii) good programming skills (preferably in C or Python).

Desirable/Meritorious

The ideal candidate has a solid background in wireless communication, embedded systems, or information security, preferably both. Additional experience in low-level programming of embedded systems, or hardware/radio frequency design is meritorious.

Successful doctoral studies require a genuine interest and curiosity in the subject, as well as strong analytical and communication skills, both orally and in writing.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, Sections 1-7, as well as here (https://regler.uu.se/?languageId=3).

Application

The application must include: (1) a description (maximum 2 pages) of the motivation for applying for the position, including a self-assessment of why you are the right candidate for the position; (2) a CV; (3) degrees and transcripts (translated into English or Swedish); (4) thesis (or a draft of it, and/or any other self-authored technical or scientific text), publication list, and other relevant documents; and (5) references with contact information (name, email, and phone number), preferably up to two recommendation letters.

Applications may be submitted by candidates who have not fully completed their degree; however, all applicants should indicate the earliest possible start date for the position.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary, according to Chapter 5, Section 7 of the Higher Education Ordinance. The position is full-time. Start date is August 2025 or by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Professor Christian Rohner (+46 70 167 9361, christian.rohner@it.uu.se)

Welcome with your application by April 22, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/889.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The employment may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security clearance.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.