Doctoral Researcher in Channel Modeling for Terahertz Satellite Applications - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

We are now looking for

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the Centre for Wireless Communications - Radio Technologies at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, the home of the 6G Flagship.

About the job

One of the most ambitious goals of the 6G is to bring the internet everywhere on Earth. This can, in practice, only be achievable by satellite communications. The existing satellite communications reach up to millimeter wave frequencies (30 – 300 GHz) but are typically far below 100 GHz. These solutions are already in commercial use in-ground applications (e.g., Starlink) and airplanes.

During the last years, sub-THz frequencies (100 – 300 GHz) have gained a lot of attention because of the very high theoretical data rates. It has been shown in the past that the sub-THz and THz (+300 GHz) bands are suitable for long-distance communications, but these links will require very high antenna gains. It has also been shown that these frequencies will theoretically be suitable for satellite-to-airplane and satellite-to-Earth links. Hence, the (sub-)THz frequencies promise high bandwidth backhaul links regardless of the location on Earth.

As a doctoral researcher, your task is to study and model the channels in satellite-to-airplane and satellite-to-Earth use cases at +100 GHz frequencies. In these links, the losses are mostly formed of atmospheric losses, cloud and rain losses, and antenna beamforming efficiency. This work last for the full duration of the doctoral training (4 years) and will consist of several propagation-related tasks and study items, for instance,

• link loss modeling in satellite communications,
• modeling mobile links with realistic satellite and airplane mobilities, and
• building simulation models to study the satellite networks and their performance.

As a doctoral researcher, you will be part of and supported by a strong team of researchers with long experience in channel modeling and satellite communications. You also be conducting collaborative research with our colleagues in the USA, and there is a chance to do a short research visit to the USA during the doctoral training. This work is part of the Research Council of Finland project TERA-PROSAT focusing on the THz satellite communications.

What we offer?

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team of 100+ people where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. Possibility to conduct doctoral research in a top-level research group. 6G Flagship and CWC-RT are home to some of the top-class researchers in the field of wireless communications.
• Working in the world's first 6G research program and in a Research Unit with excellent collaboration with industry.
• International environment and projects, English as a working language.
• Regular salary is paid 12 months per year, including paid leave and an additional holiday bonus in the summer. 
• Wellness benefits ePassi, covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. 
• Development and career options of the big organization.
• Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us.
• Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Who are you?

In order to succeed and enjoy the position, we expect from you:

• A master's degree in a related field, e.g., Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communication Engineering, etc. Students near completion can also apply. The degree must be completed prior to beginning the employment.
• Good programming skills, in particular in Matlab and/or Python.
• Good English skills (writing, speaking).
• An open mindset, willingness to learn, and the ability to work in teams.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

We also appreciate (but not require)

• Research and/or industrial experience.
• A track record of scientific publications. 

Salary

The position is fixed-term for four (4) years as of September-October 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). Starting gross salary will be approx. 2300-2600 € per month (before taxes).  A trial period of 6 months is applied for the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 20th August 2023 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application should be written in English and include the following:

1. Cover letter
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity
3. Certificates/Diplomas
4. Contact information of two persons available for recommendation

The eligible applicants fitting best in the profile expected for the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All applicants will be notified during the selection process.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Joonas Kokkoniemi (joonas.kokkoniemi@oulu.fi) (please note the response may be delayed due to summer vacations).