Doctoral Researcher, Emergent Communication Protocols in Beyond 5G/6G Systems, MSCA Doctoral Networks

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

to join us in the Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at the University of Oulu.

The Intelligent Connectivity and Networks Group (ICON), part of the CWC, focuses on the theoretical and algorithmic foundations of next-generation wireless systems. Its research is interdisciplinary, combining machine learning, optimization, control, and economics to enable intelligent and adaptive connectivity. CWC is internationally recognized for its leading research and strong industry collaboration in beyond 5G and 6G technologies.

This position is part of the GENOME project, funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks.

About the job

This doctoral research is conducted within the GENOME (GENerative and connected intelligence for 6G Open ManagemEnt) project, which focuses on developing AI-native solutions for autonomous network management across O-RAN, edge, and cloud domains. The project investigates large language models (LLMs), intent-based networking, and neuro-symbolic AI to enable connected intelligence and adaptive orchestration of network functions. In this context, the position focuses on learning resource-efficient communication protocols for distributed, task-oriented agents in beyond 5G/6G systems. The key research themes include

• Emergent semantic communication
• Learning-based protocol design
• Multi-agent systems
• AI-native network architectures

As a doctoral researcher, you will:

• Develop novel cooperative multi-agent communication frameworks by integrating insights from literature on multi-agent communication, multi-objective optimization, and state abstraction.
• Design and investigate new signaling mechanisms and scalable learning strategies, exploring optimization approaches, generative AI, and multimodal sensing.
• Validate the developed methods in representative beyond 5G/6G use cases.
• Complete doctoral study requirements.
• Work with a multi-disciplinary team while collaborating with interdisciplinary partners.

What we offer

• The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team, with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert.
• Wellness benefit 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.
• Our Buddy Program and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu.
• We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. 
• 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 require from you:

• A Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a closely related field (to be completed before the start of employment).
• Good understanding of mathematical foundations such as probability, statistics, and linear algebra.
• Strong motivation for research and an open-minded attitude towards interdisciplinary topics.
• Ability and motivation to pursue doctoral studies.
• Good written and spoken English communication skills.

We also appreciate:

• Prior research experience demonstrated through publications, thesis work, or relevant projects.
• Solid programming skills (e.g., Python) and experience with relevant frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, or similar).
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary and collaborative research environments.

Eligibility rules based on Doctoral Network regulations:

• Mobility Rule: MSCA Doctoral Network candidates must not have resided nor carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
• All researchers recruited must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree on the date of the recruitment.

You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the University of Oulu Graduate School. See the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years, with an estimated starting date in May-June or upon agreement.

The salary of the selected Doctoral researcher is in accordance with the guidelines of the Marie
Skłodowska-Curie programmes and is paid monthly. The starting gross salary (before taxes) will be
approximately 4251 € per month for full-time employment, including mobility allowance. In addition, the researchers may also be entitled to family allowance, if applicable.

A 6-month trial period is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 24 April 2026, through the GENOME project website:
https://jobs.genome-msca.eu/

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official GENOME project website. Please note that applications sent via email or other platforms will not be considered. To ensure your candidacy is valid, you must follow the formal application process on the GENOME portal.

University of Oulu's position: Emergent Communications Protocols in beyond 5G/6G.

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

• Motivation letter
• CV
• Transcripts, and
• Referee Contacts 

Kindly note that the recruitment is coordinated by the MSCA GENOME project. More about the selection process can be found on the GENOME application website. 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people of different ages, genders, languages, cultures, and minority communities.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact:

• Mehdi Bennis (Professor, Head of ICON, CWC) - mehdi.bennis@oulu.fi
• Sumudu Samarakoon (Associate Professor, ICON, CWC) - sumudu.samarakoon@oulu.fi