Marie-Curie PhD Research Scientist Wireless Sensing - #2186774

Job Description

Position: Doctoral Candidate (DC)

Location: Magirusstrasse 8, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany

Working time: Full Time (35h/week)

Duration: Fixed-Term (3 years)

Living, mobility, family, and research allowances: In agreement with the MSCA regulations

https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks

About 6G-TERRAIN

6G is expected to trigger a total rethink of network architecture design, adopting the new Network of Networks vision which promotes the integration of multi-stakeholder, multi-technology infrastructures. To this end, future 6G systems will tightly integrate upcoming satellite systems and Low-Earth Orbit constellations (e.g., OneWeb) as well as High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a concept termed as integrated Terrestrial and Non-terrestrial Networking (TNTN). However, the sheer scale and heterogeneity of future TNTN infrastructures is expected to create a unique set of challenges. To this end, 6G-TERRAIN adopts Integrated Sensing and Communication (ICAS) as a key enabler of TNTNs, allowing to perceive the complex and dynamic TNTNs through sensing the physical environment. Moreover, 6G-TERRAIN aims to propose, design, and validate a novel native AI automation architecture and its associated enabling technologies and theoretical frameworks

In this technical context, 6G-TERRAIN will build a training network, consisted of 10 Doctoral Candidates who will conduct top-notch research towards the realisation of the 6G “Network of Networks” vision.

The Role

The DC will focus on the design of physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of unified TNTN radio access networks to integrate communication and sensing functionalities. Aiming at adding radar functionalities based on beamforming to network base stations, the DC will investigate the architecture and procedures of how communications and sensing can synergize in future networks.

Further information about the Ph.D. projects can be found in the following tables.

Position: DC07

Title: ICAS-related beamforming for 6G Unified 3D Networks.

Scientific context: Future networks will seamlessly integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial topologies aiming at unified 3D networks. As one important aspect, wireless communication network architectures (e.g. of cellular 3GPP-based systems) of current generations will be enhanced with sensing services (e.g. based on OFDM radar). A change in architecture, procedures and processing is required to add the capability of operating with integrated sensing. Newly added sensing functionalities will need to consider the existing designs and procedures for communication services and find the appropriate modifications, such that communication performance is not severely degraded while the new sensing services meet appropriately defined quality of service targets.

Objectives: Development of beamforming techniques for ISAC deployments integrated in unified 3D networks; proposal of methods for coordination of multi-static deployments, e.g., via interface definition for signaling between different sensing access points; investigation of algorithms for clutter suppression; examination of implications of developed solutions on 3D network architecture, i.e., also in view of standardization.

Expected results: Verification of developed algorithms, both with extensive simulation campaigns and with ISAC proof of concept; generation of IPR to protect developed solutions and bring them to standardization discussions.

Acquired knowledge: Knowledge of PHY and MAC of radio access for communication and sensing services in 3D networks; methods and algorithms in advanced signal processing

Planned secondment: University of Bremen (Germany) for up to 6 months

Ph.D. enrolment: University of Bremen (Germany)

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake postgraduate research in support of the agreed doctoral research project.
• Work closely with the academic supervisors to ensure the compatibility of the individual project with the overall goals of 6G-TERRAIN.
• Present and publish research in both academic and non-academic audiences.
• Attend and participate to academic and non-academic conferences, events and seminars.
• Attend and participate to all training events and supervisory meetings.
• Be seconded to other network partners as necessary to fulfil the grant obligations.
• Prepare progress reports and similar documents on research for funding bodies, as required.
• Contribute to the delivery and management of the wider program, including attending and participating in program committee meetings.
• Actively contribute to the public engagement and outreach activities as described in the grant agreement. As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the DC may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above duties and responsibilities.
  
  

Key Skills And Experience

Person Specification

• An undergraduate degree and a postgraduate Master degree (or equivalent) in electronic or electrical engineering, mathematics, electromagnetics, or a physical sciences subject.
• Excellent mathematical skills and background.
• High proficiency in Matlab, Python, or similar programming software.
• Solid background on wireless communications systems.
• Experience with hardware and demonstrators.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including presentation skills.
• Highly proficient English language skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to think logically, create solutions and make informed decisions.
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a research environment.
• A strong commitment to his/her own continuous professional development.
• Willingness to travel and work across Europe.
  
  

Eligibility Requirements

All candidates must meet the following requirements to be considered for this post:

• Doctoral Candidates (DC) shall at the time of recruitment by the host organization not yet have been awarded a doctoral degree. A postgraduate Master degree (or equivalent) is required at the time of recruitment to enroll the doctoral program.
• At the time of recruitment by the host organization, DCs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the recruitment date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.
  
  

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted to the attention of Dr. Thorsten Wild, according to the following procedure:

• Registration and submission of the application material to the 6G-TERRAIN recruitment website (https://oaf.6g-terrain.eu/).
• Application at the Nokia careers website. (https://www.nokia.com/about-us/careers/)
  
  

Note 1: Informal enquires for further information about the positions can be send to Dr. Thorsten Wild

Note 2: By registering in the website mentioned above, the applicants agree that all members of the 6G-TERRAIN project can access their personal data and application material.

Each application must include the following material:

• A cover letter explaining the motivation for applying for the post.
• A curriculum vitae setting out the educational qualifications as well as any additional scientific achievements and publications.
• Evidence of English proficiency.
• Copy of Bachelor and Master certificates (if available at the time of application).
• Copy of Bachelor and Master transcripts.
• Any additional material useful for the assessment of the candidate (e.g., recommendation letters, research project/statement in agreement with the requirements specified in previous text).
  
  

Selection Process

The selection and recruitment processes of the DCs will be in accordance with the European Charter and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The recruitment process will be open, transparent, impartial, equitable, and merit-based. There will be no overt/covert discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, disability or age.

To this end, the following selection criteria for the recruitment of the DCs will be considered:

• Curriculum vitae
• Research and industrial experience
• Research, leadership, and creativity potential
• Academic performance (diplomas, university transcripts, etc.)
• Awards and fellowships
• Publications and patents
• English knowledge
• Other relevant items based on the specific candidate
  
  

The recruitment process will adhere to the guidelines described in the Grant Agreement of the 6G-TERRAIN project. At the network’s level, the recruitment will be coordinated by the Recruitment Committee of the project in order to guarantee gender- and sector-balance.

At Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG, the recruitment will be coordinated by the department of Radio Systems Research Germany. More precisely, the recruitment and selection of the DCs will be executed by Dr. Thorsten Wild. The entire process will be overseen and approved by the Responsible of the Human Resources of Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG.

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