PhD Stipend in non-terrestrial open radio access networks for 6G

PhD Stipend in non-terrestrial open radio access networks for 6G

At the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Department of Electronic Systems Campus Copenhagen, a PhD stipend in non-terrestrial open radio access networks for 6G is available within the general study programme Wireless Communications. The stipend is open for appointment from September 1, 2024, or soon as possible thereafter. In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk

Jobbeskrivelse
Non-terrestrial networks(NTN) are expected to be the key component of future 6G systems. In NTN networks, low Earth orbit satellites, drones, and high-altitude platforms will take the role of space and aerial base stations, delivering a truly global connectivity. The main challenge in such complex heterogenous and dynamic 3D environments is the timely and distributed resource management and optimization of the network. At the same time, there is a growing interest in the modular and disaggregated open radio access network(O-RAN) architecture for the realization of flexible, highly-distributed and intelligent networks, and this interest extends to NTN.

The goal of this project is to address research and design challenges that include(but are not limited to):

• mapping of 3D 6G network functional elements into the O-RAN architectural elements,
• development of 3D network optimization functions that natively exploit AI/ML O-RAN workflow,
• implementation of network adaptation and digital twinning functionalities in the O-RAN framework and its coupling with AI/ML workflow,
• prototyping and demonstration of the developed solutions in a testbed.

Prospective applicants to this PhD proposal should have the following qualifications:

• M.Sc. degree in wireless communications, communications engineering, computer engineering or similar
• solid mathematical and analytical skills
• experience in programming, e.g., in C++, Python or Matlab(experience with programming of sofware defined radios and/or off-the-shelf communication modules is a plus)
• knowledge of the fundamentals of ML/AI algorithms and their implementation
• a creative mindset and curiosity to research and develop new solutions with highly skilled colleagues.

The study project will be conducted in collaboration with researchers from the North Eastern University, Boston, USA, and Keysight, Denmark.

Applicants are required to submit, along with their application documents, a one-page statement of the planned research to be conducted in relation to the project topics outlined above.

The successful candidate will be hosted by Edge Computing and Networking group, which specializes in IoT, 5G and beyond 5G systems, and mobile edge computing and computational offloading. The group features a dynamic and international atmosphere and is located in Copenhagen, a vibrant metropolitan city that tops quality-of-life charts. The successful candidate will enjoy a world-class research environment, excellent working conditions, and full employment benefits accompanied with a competitive salary.

You may obtain further information from Prof. Cedomir Stefanovic, Department of Electronic Systems, email:[email protected], concerning the scientific aspects of the stipend.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Lisbeth Diinhoff, The Doctoral School at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design, email:[email protected], phone:+45 9940 9589.

For more information of The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design:www.phd.tech.aau.dk

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Løn og ansættelsesvilkår
Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.

Ansøgningsfrist
2024-07-14

Ref. nummer
8-24039

Afdeling
Department of Electronic Systems