Prestigious Postdoc Position in 6G Propagation Research “Radio Propagation in the Wireless Factory”

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Job Description

Electromagnetics Group (EM), Center for Wireless Technology Eindhoven (CWTe),
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

Communication networks provide the bedrock for digital transition of our society and economy. In 4G and 5G mobile networks, the Netherlands is strong in RF semiconductor technologies and applications of mobile technology. 6G, the new generation for the 2030s, offers large economic opportunities for the Netherlands to extend this position to areas in the global 6G value chain that have earlier moved to Asian and US companies. Securing such a position is crucial for the Netherlands to stay in control of its mobile networks. In the Future Network Services (FNS) program, leading ICT- and semiconductor companies and research institutions will jointly research specific parts of 6G: software antennas, AI-driven network software and leading 6G applications. By integrating these parts at the 6G software layer, FNS creates a powerful approach to make 6G a truly intelligent network. This innovation gives an important impulse to the Dutch economy and sustainable earning power, through advanced industrial activity and significant export opportunities. It will make 6G networks more energy efficient and drive digital autonomy.

Outline of the FNS-6G program:
The FNS innovations are developed in four program lines: (1) intelligent components, developing software antennas for the new high (mm-wave and THz) frequencies in 6G; (2) intelligent networks, developing AI-driven software for 6G radio and core networks; (3) leading applications, developing new 6G applications in mobility, energy, health and other sectors that create value through new set-ups of the sector value chains; (4) ecosystem strengthening, integrating the FNS innovations in the national 6G testbed, stimulating start-ups and SMEs, developing and executing the human capital agenda and ensuring policy alignment. The consortium currently consists of a mix of 60 large and small telecom, semiconductor and ICT companies, universities and public bodies:

• PL1: TU/e (lead), Aircision, Altum-RF, Ampleon, AntenneX, Astron, Bosch (ItoM), Chalmers, CITC, Ericsson, IMEC, KPN, NXP, PITC, Prodrive, RobinRadar, Sabic, Signify, TheAntennaCompany, TNO, TUDelft, Twente University (UT), Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, VTEC;
• PL2: TUDelft (lead), Almende, AMS-IX, Ericsson, IS-Wireless, KPN, Nokia, NVIDIA, Solvinity, SURF, TNO, TU/e, Universiteit van Amsterdam, UT, Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam);
• PL3: TNO (lead), Alliander, ASML, Comforest, Cordis, Drone Delivery Service, Ericsson, Future Mobility Network, gemeente Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Gomibo, KPN, Philips, Odido, Port Of Rotterdam, PWXR, Robin Radar, TenneT TSO, Vialis;
• PL4: TUDelft (lead), BTG, Ericsson, ECP, EZK, Hanze Hogeschool, KOREWireless, KPN, Liberty Global, Nokia, Odido, OostNL, RDI, SURF, TU/e, UT, VodafoneZiggo.

The Postdoc position “Radio Propagation in the Wireless Factory”:
Wireless connectivity in factories is an important use case of 6G. Wireless connectivity concepts for the factory of tomorrow are being developed within the FNS program. A key challenge in state-of-the-art factories is maintaining and updating machines and their components in a (time-)efficient manner. In FNS, we investigate the potential of relocating all intelligence from inside machines to a central hub. This introduces stringent requirements for the wireless connection, because existing industrial soft real-time protocols will need to be supported over a wireless link.

In this Postdoc project, propagation measurements will be conducted to help enable wireless factories with centralized intelligence. The aim is to help solve system-level challenges via radio propagation research. This research will be conducted in close collaboration with industrial FNS partners. Important research topics are:

• Multipath-richness within a factory at various 6G frequency bands.
• Propagation to components inside machines.
• Favourable access point number and locations, mutual interference and the potential benefit of reconfigurable intelligent surfaces.

This Postdoc position has a duration of 2 years with a potential extension.

Job Requirements

Applicants should have a PhD degree in electrical engineering and have a research background in radio propagation measurements. Interest in and understanding of system level concepts and challenges of wireless communication systems are beneficial. Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, motivation, ability to cooperate, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research. Experience in the areas of antennas, electronics and signal processing as well as proficiency in programming and using scientific and engineering software packages such as MATLAB and WinProp are advantageous.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years with a potential extension.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,060 max. € 5,331).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr.ir. Robbert Schulpen ([email protected]) or Prof. Bart Smolders ([email protected]).

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact [email protected].

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Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.