Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en
The Electrical Engineering unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, invites applications for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Candidate position in integrated circuits and signal processing for large-array transceivers in next-generation communication systems. The position is part of the EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network ANCHOR. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing energy-efficient, high-performance communication systems for next-generation wireless infrastructures.
About the ANCHOR Doctoral Network
ANCHOR is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network that brings together leading universities and industry partners to train 15 doctoral candidates in next-generation communication technologies. The network addresses key challenges in future wireless infrastructures — including spectrum harmonization, 3D coverage, mobility, latency, capacity, and energy efficiency — by advancing integrated solutions across radio, THz, and optical domains. Through interdisciplinary research, international secondments, and structured cross-sectoral training, ANCHOR equips its doctoral candidates with strong theoretical foundations and practical expertise to drive innovation in Europe’s future telecommunications landscape. More information about ANCHOR network can be found https://www.anchor.strath.ac.uk/.
Job Description
The research focuses on developing signal processing concepts and energy-efficient, high-performance integrated circuit architectures for large-array transceivers in future communication systems, with emphasis on beamforming, near-field, and advanced receiver signal processing.
The Doctoral Candidate will:
- Develop and validate signal processing concepts for efficient large-array systems
- Design energy-efficient hardware architectures for beamforming
- Perform system-level modelling and simulations (e.g., MATLAB or similar tools)
- Design, tape out, and experimentally characterize integrated circuit prototypes
- Disseminate results through leading international journals and conferences
- Develop research collaboration with DCs in the Tampere University, ANCHOR network
The position includes secondments of 6 months at University College London (UCL) and 4 months at Altice Labs (Portugal), providing direct exposure to leading academic and industrial research environments.
In addition to research duties, the candidate will complete all doctoral degree requirements at Tampere University, contribute to ANCHOR project deliverables, participate in network-wide training events, and actively disseminate results through scientific and professional channels. High-quality scientific publishing is expected throughout the project.
Requirements
This position follows the rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks.
To be eligible, the applicant must not hold a PhD degree at the time of recruitment.
The applicant must hold a relevant master’s degree by the time the employment begins (start date: as soon as possible, no later than 1.1.2027).
The applicant may be of any nationality.
The applicant must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 cumulative months in the 36 months immediately before the start date. Compulsory national service, short stays (e.g., holidays), and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered.
In addition, the selected candidate must apply for and be granted the right to pursue doctoral studies at Tampere University. A doctoral candidate must enroll as a doctoral student no later than six months after the start of the contract. Please visit the https://www.tuni.fi/en/study-with-us/doctoral-programme-computing-and-electrical-engineering#expander-trigger--field-eligibility-criteria--in--b18570dd-c0ce-477f-b48c-f2df4dc492a1 for more information on the requirements for the same. Formal English language requirements must be fulfilled by the time of enrollment in the doctoral program (not necessarily at the time of applying). Strong written and spoken English skills are essential for success in this position.
Desired Skills and Profile
We are seeking a highly motivated and research-oriented candidate with a strong interest in integrated circuit design and future communication systems, and a clear ambition to pursue a doctoral degree. The applicant should hold an M.Sc. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline.
The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, open to acquiring new skills, and able to work rigorously and independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, international research environment. Interest in an academic or industrial research career is highly valued. Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered advantageous, the more, the better:
- Knowledge in signal processing and system-level modelling
- Strong skills with numerical modelling and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python)
- Good knowledge in digital circuit and DSP hardware design
- Strong hands-on skills in ASIC design methodologies (e.g., HDL-based design, simulation, synthesis, place-and-route workflows)
- Good knowledge in analog circuit design
- Strong skills in analog/RF circuit design and simulation with tools like Cadence Virtuoso
- FPGA or RF-SoC prototyping experience
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard EDA tools (e.g., Cadence, ModelSim or equivalent) is beneficial.
- Prior tape out experience is a plus, not a requirement
We offer
We offer a fully funded 36-month fixed-term doctoral position within the MSCA framework. The employment begins as soon as possible, no later than 1.1.2027. Salary is determined in accordance with MSCA Doctoral Candidate regulations and the Finnish University Salary System. The estimated gross monthly salary is approximately €3,950 before employee taxation for a candidate without a family allowance and approximately €4,450 before employee taxation for a candidate with a family (e.g., married or with dependent children).
The doctoral candidate will be guided by a distinguished and internationally recognized supervisory team, ensuring ambitious, high-quality doctoral training and close mentorship. Doctoral candidate will be co-supervised by Asst. Prof. Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Assoc. Prof. Bo Tan, Prof. Elena Simona Lohan, and Prof. Mikko Valkama, whose complementary expertise spans theoretical innovation and practical impact. Secondments with Prof. Izzat Darwazeh at UCL and the industrial visit at Altice Labs, Portugal, provide direct exposure to leading academic and industrial research environments, forming a strong international platform for scientific excellence and career development. The https://sochub.fi/ ecosystem at Tampere University provides an excellent framework to support the IC tape out activities.
The position is based at Tampere University’s Hervanta campus, a major Nordic technology hub offering modern laboratories, advanced research infrastructure, and a collaborative academic community. Comprehensive support services and staff benefits including occupational health care, flexible working arrangements, sports facilities, and campus restaurants create excellent conditions for focused research. More information is available at https://www.tuni.fi/en/about-us/working-at-tampere-universities. required for this position.
City of Tampere and Finland
Tampere, located between two large lakes, is Finland’s second-largest urban area and a leading Nordic technology hub. The city combines a vibrant innovation ecosystem — particularly strong in ICT and industry — with immediate access to nature and a high quality of life. For more information about Tampere, please visit VisitTampere, Welcome to Tampere and International House Tampere. Finland consistently ranks among the world’s safest and most stable societies and offers a comprehensive public healthcare and social security system, making it an attractive and secure destination for international researchers and their families. For more information about living and working in Finland, please visit InfoFinland and This is Finland.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through Tampere University’s online recruitment system (application link below). The deadline for applications is 15 September, 2026 at 23:59 (EEST / UTC +3).
All application documents must be submitted in English and uploaded in PDF format.
Please include the following required documents:
- Cover letter outlining your motivation for applying, your research interests, and how your background aligns with the position
- Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background, relevant technical skills, research experience, publications (if any), and other scientific achievements. Please include contact details for at least two referees
- Copies of bachelor’s (if applicable) and master’s degree certificates (if available at the time of application)
- Official transcripts of records for bachelor’s (if applicable) and master’s degrees
You may also include additional supporting documents, if relevant (e.g., proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters).
For further information about the position, please contact Prof. Vishnu Unnikrishnan or Prof. Mikko Valkama ([email protected]).
