PhD in telecommunication: low-power IoT devices in 6G radio access networks

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Electrical Engineering

The project focuses on pioneering novel concepts of communication between zero-energy IoT devices with future 6G radio-access network base-station infrastructure, in the new 6G FR3 (7-15 GHz) frequency spectrum, involving also energy harvesting of the available RF spectrum. The work focuses on two aspects: (1) research on novel efficient antenna interfaces functioning jointly for telecommunication and energy-harvesting; (2) applying concepts and algorithms from radar signal processing to joint-communication and sensing approaches of IoT in 6G networks to enhance range and overcome free-space path loss. The methodology for the first part is as follows: developing concepts, simulations of promising antenna designs with CST Microwave Studio, fabrication of prototypes and characterization in antenna chamber. The methodology for the second part is mainly Matlab-based signal processing. The project work is interdisciplinary and requires to acquire and to combine knowledge in different domains, rather than specializing into a single subject.

The project work is carried out in the THz lab of the Micro and Nano Systems division at KTH’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The lab has measurement equipment, incl. a fully automated THz antenna measurement chamber, up to 750 GHz, and many advanced custom-built microwave and THz measurement setups. The project work is carried out in tight collaboration with Swedish telecom industry and project partners in Finland, Germany and Switzerland.

Supervision: Prof. Joachim Oberhammer KTH | Joachim Oberhammer

What we offer

• The possibility to study in a dynamic and international research environment in collaboration with industries and prominent universities from all over the world.
• A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement.
• A postgraduate education at an institution that is active and supportive in matters pertaining to working conditions, gender equality and diversity as well as study environment.
• Work and study in Stockholm, close to nature and the water.
• Guidance on relocating and settling in at KTH and in Sweden

Admission requirements

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
• the candidate should have a background in electrical engineering, engineering physics, or equivalent.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.

It is beneficial in the selection process if the candidate has basic knowledge and experience with RF technology, RF simulation tools, RF measurements, signal processing using Matlab, basics in telecommunication and electromagnetic wave propagation.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills. 

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Union representatives

Contact information for union representatives.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

Contact information for doctoral section.

To apply for the position

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

• CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
• Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Striving towards gender equality, diversity and equal conditions is both a question of quality for KTH and a given part of our values.

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.