Vacant job

Acoustic Backscatter Communication

Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a doctoral student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure employment, high-quality supervision, and space to grow, both as a researcher and as an individual.

The Department of Systems and Space Technology at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) is advertising a doctoral position within signal processing, with a focus on research in acoustic backscatter communication. We are seeking ambitious and creative candidates with a Master's degree or equivalent and strong analytical skills, who wish to contribute to groundbreaking research in this area. The position is funded by a grant from the Swedish Research Council.

Subject Description

The subject covers signal processing with a focus on the development and optimization of algorithms for processing one- and multi-dimensional signals that are closely related to applications and applied research.

Project Description

Visionary scenarios for future communication networks involve extensive use of sensors and actuators in, for example, industrial and medical applications. These sensors are often envisioned to be on a nanoscale, occur in very large numbers, and be deeply embedded in mechanical structures or biological tissue. Not only is the use of wires often impossible, but the use of radio waves can also be impractical or prohibited. Therefore, it is desirable that new, future passive sensors are equipped with wireless methods other than radio for information transfer and power supply.

In this project, we investigate the potential and limitations of passive devices that use acoustic ultrasound waves as a communication medium and as a source for energy harvesting. The devices we study use incoming ultrasound waves as their only energy source and are based on arrays of reconfigurable reflective acoustic elements. This enables communication through acoustic backscatter: the incoming wave is modulated and reflected back to the receiver practically without any additional active components.

Responsibilities

A doctoral position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a doctoral student, 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 optional doctoral courses. Additionally, you may have the opportunity to try out the teaching role.

The research will be conducted at the Department of Signals and Systems at LTU under the supervision of Professor Johan Carlson. The research results will be published in leading journals and conferences and prepare you for a career in both academia and industry.

Qualifications

To be eligible for a doctoral position, you must have a Master of Science degree, or equivalent, in technical physics, electrical engineering, or equivalent, with a focus on signal processing and measurement technology. The research is expected to use methodology from signal processing, communication theory, mathematics, acoustic wave propagation, optimization, and machine learning.

Strong documented experience in these areas is advantageous, especially if you have published your work. Candidates should have excellent command of English, both oral and written.

A Master of Science degree awarded no more than five years before the application deadline is a good qualification. Candidates who received their degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as different types of statutory leave.

For further information about the specific doctoral education, see http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd (http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd)

Information

Employment as a doctoral student is fixed-term for 4 years, teaching and other institutional duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of work: Luleå. Intended start: by agreement.

For further information, you are welcome to contact Professor Johan Carlson, 0920-49 2517, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Union representatives: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Application

We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below, where you attach a cover letter, 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: 2026-06-14

Reference number: 3480-2026