Postdoctoral Researcher positions at the Centre for Wireless Communications and 6G Flagship - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Centre for Wireless Communications - Radio Technologies at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu, and 6G Flagship are looking for talented researchers to fill

several Postdoctoral Researcher positions

in "Local 6G networks" and "6G MIMO signal processing".

The Center for Wireless Communications (CWC) is recognized as one of the world's leading and most active research centers in wireless technologies. CWC is at the heart of the University of Oulu's strategic focus area "Digitalization and Smart Society" and features the 6G Flagship program, the world's first major 6G research programme running from 2018 to 2028. We are already a team of 400+ researchers from 50+ countries. The positions fall within Wireless Connectivity in 6G Flagship's research agenda.

About the job

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will conduct cutting-edge research on predefined subjects as a team member. You will disseminate research results through scientific publications, conference presentations, and project deliverables. You will also assist in supervising doctoral researchers and Master's students and participate in drafting research grants and project proposals. You will also have the possibility to carry out teaching activities.

We are looking for Postdoctoral Researchers for two different themes.

Theme 1 (Local 6G networks)

On the path toward 6G, networks are becoming ubiquitous, where local specialized services with various connectivity mechanisms are becoming increasingly popular, and service-driven architectures are becoming dominant. In that context, the concept of local connectivity emerges as a means to allow communities, local operators, property owners, or local commercial or individual customers to roll out their infrastructure to control connectivity over a well-defined area. This concept, termed Local 6G Networks, is foreseen to be one of the key differentiators of future 6G systems.

This position is part of a research project investigating exciting research directions addressing various aspects of developing a Local 6G Network. For example, this includes security, resilience, spectrum aspects, and integration with other cellular and non-cellular networks. The goal is to address the challenges of delivering 6G connectivity in local area use cases where the conventional coverage/capacity-driven deployment paradigm does not fit, such as high-throughput/high-reliability connectivity in an industrial production facility.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will investigate new deployments and architectures for local 6G networks that involve reflective surfaces, propose new data-driven strategies for controlling the local propagation environment, investigate and address the resulting security and privacy considerations, and develop new orchestration and coordination strategies to optimize the network resource utilization while meeting the challenging demands of future 6G systems. You will be part of a multidisciplinary research group and work closely with the project's international partner(s).

Theme 2 (6G MIMO signal processing)

Increasing the capacity of beyond-5G wireless systems will require operating over large frequency bands and using truly massive antennas, which poses fundamental challenges regarding RF design and signal propagation. The technical field of the positions will span different analytical and algorithmic aspects of massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications for 6G wireless systems operating up to (sub-)THz frequencies. It will focus on near-field communications, sensing, and positioning enabled by large, intelligent surfaces under physically consistent signal propagation. The main research tools will be communications theory, MIMO signal processing, optimization, and machine learning. The research will be carried out in collaboration with our top-tier international collaborators and research partners.

Qualification requirements

To qualify as Postdoctoral Researcher, you must possess:

• An applicable Doctoral degree in communications engineering, electrical engineering, or related field. The doctoral degree must have been received no more than 10 years ago. Candidates close to graduation are also eligible to apply, but the work contract is subject to presenting the final doctoral degree certificate.
• Experience in at least one of the following:
  • For Theme 1 (local 6G networks): communication theory, algorithm design for wireless communications systems, statistical inference, application of machine learning for wireless communications, and physical-layer security.
  • For Theme 2 (6G MIMO signal processing): communication theory, MIMO signal processing, optimization, and machine learning.
• Research proficiency proven by an excellent publication record with top-tier journal publications (e.g., IEEE Transactions).
• Strong mathematical background and rigorous analytical thinking.
• Good programming skills in Matlab or Python.
• Excellent spoken and written English and multicultural communication skills.
• Ability to pursue both independent and collaborative research.
• Readiness to create deliverables for national and EU-funded research projects.
• Open-minded and enthusiastic approach to research with the ability to interact with people from various backgrounds.

What we offer?

• A competitive salary and numerous benefits (such as paid leave, pension, occupational healthcare, holiday bonus, and sport/culture/well-being pass). Read more about other staff benefits here.
• A unique position at the top of 6G research within one of the field's leading and largest academic groups.
• Modern research facilities and a lively, cross-disciplinary, international work environment.
• Opportunities for research collaborations with our top-tier international partners and fully paid secondments.
• Development and career options of a big organization.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for developing researchers' working conditions and careers.
• A wide variety of benefits provided by the Finnish government (e.g., access to national healthcare and high-quality, affordable childcare) and support services offered by the University of Oulu.
• Buddy Program and Spouse Network, which support you and close ones in settling into Oulu.
• 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.

Salary

The positions are full-time and fixed-term for two (2) years, starting 15 January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. A trial period of 6 months applies. The salary will be based on levels 5–6 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). The starting gross salary will be approximately 3700–4200€ per month (before taxes) depending on the merits, experience, and qualifications. The Collective Agreement for Finnish Universities determines the terms of employment.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 19 November 2023 (23:59 Finnish time). Applications must include the following required attachments in PDF format:

1. Motivation letter (max. 2 pages) summarizing the applicant's professional experience and expertise and describing why the applicant is interested in this position. Please specify the preferred research theme (if any), i.e., Theme 1 (Local 6G networks) or Theme 2 (6G MIMO signal processing). Information on personal research interests and plans, experience, and career plans are also valuable.
2. Curriculum vitae (max. 4 pages) in accordance with the guidelines of the Finnish Advisory Board on Research Integrity, including contact information of two referees who may be asked to give a statement about the applicant.
3. List of publications in accordance with the guidelines of the Research Council of Finland, indicating the three most important ones.
4. Certificates/diplomas: scanned copies of the original doctoral and Master's degree certificates and transcripts of records. If necessary, please include the official translations to Finnish or English.

Only applications containing all the necessary attachments and submitted through the electronic application form will be considered. Top applicants will be invited to an on-site or remote interview.

Contact Information

For further information, please contact Dr. Nurul Huda Mahmood (nurulhuda.mahmood@oulu.fi) for Theme 1 (local 6G networks) or Assist. Prof. Italo Atzeni (italo.atzeni@oulu.fi) for Theme 2 (6G MIMO signal processing).