About the position

We have a vacancy for a PhD position in reconfigurable radio systems for future wireless networks at the department of manufacturing and civil engineering at NTNU.

Future wireless networks will simultaneously serve millions of communicating devices in small geographical areas driven by fast transition from current internet-of-things (IoT) towards internet-of-Everything which includes intelligent interconnection of people, process, data, and things. Besides, massive connectivity of future wireless access network will lead to extremely complex radio frequency (RF) landscape featuring devices with different hardware, mobility dynamics, quality-of-service (QoS) requirements, significant spectrum heterogeneity across the network, fast-changing traffic patterns, and tremendous number of devices with increasing interference. 

Current methods for supporting a large volume of connected devices for a given QoS requirements under limited radio resources are based on classical rule-oriented signal processing techniques. However, as the RF landscape gets extremely complex, it will be impossible to get enough knowledge in advance to program classical signal processing schemes, especially for the fast-changing RF dynamics.

The goal of the position is to conduct a fundamental research for optimizing the wireless transmission of reconfigurable radios (such as beamforming, modulation constellation, code book design, transmission power, etc.) utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI). The selected candidate will conduct high quality research on developing AI algorithms for wireless operation mode selection, optimization, and reconfiguration of the radio front-end for executing the selected and optimized wireless operations. 

You will report to Head of department.

Duties of the position

• Design novel AI enabled wireless operation mode selection and signal transmission optimization
• Al-integrated transceiver design for dynamic reconfiguration and execution of the wireless operations

Required selection criteria

PhD candidate:

The PhD-position's main objective is to qualify for work in research positions. The qualification requirement is that you have completed a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background in [subject area] or equivalent education with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. If you do not have letter grades from previous studies, you must have an equally good academic foundation. If you are unable to meet these criteria you may be considered only if you can document that you are particularly suitable for education leading to a PhD degree.

• Master in Electrical Engineering with specialization in Radio communications with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale
• Documented written and spoken English proficiency
• Good knowledge in wireless signal transmission techniques
• Good knowledge in machine learning
• Good knowledge and experience in the use of simulation tools such as Matlab and Python

The appointment is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants and national guidelines for appointment as PhD, post doctor and research assistant.

Preferred selection criteria

• Strong publication record in radio communication in general (and specifically in wireless transmission techniques and radio transceiver design) or related area
• Experience with programming of reconfigurable radios
• Experience in research project works

Personal characteristics

• Teamwork-oriented
• Inventiveness
• Proactive approach
• Creative

We offer

• exciting and stimulating tasks in a strong international academic environment
• an open and inclusive work environment with dedicated colleagues
• favourable terms in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund
• employee benefits

Salary and conditions

PhD candidate:

PhD candidates are remunerated in code 1017, and are normally remunerated at gross from NOK 482 200 per annum before tax, depending on qualifications and seniority. From the salary, 2% is deducted as a contribution to the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund.

The period of employment is 3 years.

Appointment to a PhD position requires that you are admitted to the PhD programme in Engineering (https://www.ntnu.edu/studies/phiv) within three months of employment, and that you participate in an organized PhD programme during the employment period.

The engagement is to be made in accordance with the regulations in force concerning State Employees and Civil Servants, and the acts relating to Control of the Export of Strategic Goods, Services and Technology. Candidates who by assessment of the application and attachment are seen to conflict with the criteria in the latter law will be prohibited from recruitment to NTNU. After the appointment you must assume that there may be changes in the area of work.

It is a prerequisite you can be present at and accessible to the institution daily.

About the application

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.

Publications and other scientific work must follow the application. Please note that applications are only evaluated based on the information available on the application deadline. You should ensure that your application shows clearly how your skills and experience meet the criteria which are set out above. 

The application must include :

• CV, certificates and diplomas
• Research plan or project proposal
• Academic works - published or unpublished - that you would like to be considered in the assessment (up to 10 works)
• Name and address of three referees

Joint works will be considered. If it is difficult to identify your contribution to joint works, you must attach a brief description of your participation.

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience and personal suitability.

NTNU is committed to following evaluation criteria for research quality according to The San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment - DORA.

General information

Working at NTNU

A good work environment is characterized by diversity. We encourage qualified candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, functional capacity or cultural background. 

The city of Gjøvik has a population of 30 000 and is a town known for its rich music and cultural life. The beautiful nature surrounding the city is ideal for an active outdoor life! The Norwegian welfare state, including healthcare, schools, kindergartens and overall equality, is probably the best of its kind in the world.

As an employee at NTNU, you must at all times adhere to the changes that the development in the subject entails and the organizational changes that are adopted.

Information Act (Offentleglova), your name, age, position and municipality may be made public even if you have requested not to have your name entered on the list of applicants.

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Prof. Michael Cheffena, telephone +4761135294, email michael.cheffena@ntnu.no.

Please submit your application electronically via jobbnorge.no with your CV, diplomas and certificates. Applications submitted elsewhere will not be considered. Diploma Supplement is required to attach for European Master Diplomas outside Norway. Chinese applicants are required to provide confirmation of Master Diploma from China Credentials Verification (CHSI).

If you are invited for interview you must include certified copies of transcripts and reference letters. Please refer to the application number SO IV-31/21 when applying.

Application deadline: 21.02.2021

NTNU//Espen Taftø Vestad

NTNU - knowledge for a better world

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) creates knowledge for a better world and solutions that can change everyday life.

Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering

Our profile of expertise can help to solve the world’s most important societal challenge: the development of sustainable solutions in industry and society. This profile includes research on modern industrial processes, use of new and recycled materials, new technological solutions and the application of new forms of organization and business models. The Department of Manufacturing and Civil Engineering is one of eight departments in the Faculty of Engineering.

Deadline 21st February 2021
Employer NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Municipality Gjøvik
Scope Fulltime
Duration Temporary
Place of service Gjøvik