Doctoral Researcher in Integrated Sensing and Communication for Biomedical Imaging

We are now looking for a

Doctoral Researcher

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

The team focuses on interdisciplinary research at the boundary of wireless communications, radio engineering, and experimentally oriented signal processing. Our researchers combine theory and practice to solve future problems, utilizing our world-class RF laboratory with over-the-air experiments.

This doctoral researcher position is part of the strategic spearhead projects funded by Infotech for the years 2026-2028. Infotech is one of the four multidisciplinary research centers at the University of Oulu. This specific project is titled "Enabling Synthetic Aperture Based Health Monitoring with NextG Cell Phones".

About the job

This is a three-year doctoral research project that develops synthetic aperture radar-based sensing methods, models, and experiments targeted for human health monitoring in specific applications. The goal is to enable the use of future radio links for imaging applications of the human body or tissue under the integrated communication and sensing (ISAC) framework. The position involves algorithm development and conceptual work, along with real-life radio channel measurements at various frequencies in our RF laboratory using realistic human phantom models.

The scope, activities, and schedule of this doctoral research will be defined early on with the supervisor.

Your activities in this role may include some of the following:

• Plan and perform radio channel measurements with different measurement equipment, including waveform generators, signal analyzers, oscilloscopes, and vector network analyzers.
• Develop artificial intelligence-enabled synthetic aperture-based methods and algorithms to aid in the measurements and analyze the data for detecting abnormalities.
• Work together with the team to integrate methods and findings for the combined concept, innovate ideas, and document the work in academic publications and public demonstrations

You will also participate in various activities as a coworker at the interdisciplinary project team with involvement from different research groups, including the Centre for Wireless Communications, the Research Unit of Health Sciences and Technology (together with the Faculty of Medicine), the Microelectronics research unit, and the Biomimetics and Intelligent Systems Group. Depending on your background, the work will be supervised by researchers from multiple research groups.

What we offer?

The support of an experienced, enthusiastic, and active community where you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. Development and career opportunities within a large organization. Wellness benefit ePassi covers sports, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits, Work that matters, and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us. Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu. We hold the HR Excellence in Research quality label, a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. Read more about living in Oulu

Who are you?

We require from you:

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related discipline. A Master's degree must have been completed before the start of the doctoral researcher's work.
• See also the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS)

You are also expected to demonstrate the following:

• Experience in, and/or passion for, combining theoretical ideas with practical measurements and applications.
• Familiarity with at least one of the following:
  • radio channel measurements for any applications,
  • radio wave propagation, integrated communications and sensing,
  • near-field focusing/beamforming, radar algorithms, RF waveforms, or a closely related topic.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English. Ability to work independently and within a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
  • Openness to other scientific disciplines and to multidisciplinary approaches.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Ability to work independently and within a diverse, interdisciplinary team.
• Openness to other scientific disciplines and to multidisciplinary approaches.

We also consider as a plus:

• Experience in, and/or knowledge of using different RF measurement equipment for performing microwave and/or millimeter-wave measurements.
• Knowledge of using AI/ML tools and approaches to analyze data.
• Knowledge of computer vision and sensor fusion techniques.
• Any understanding or interest in radio wave interaction with the human body or tissue, as well as different dielectric materials.
• Basic knowledge of radio engineering, antennas, wireless communications, and/or radars.

Salary

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 3 years as of 01.02.2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The salary will be based on levels 2–4 of the demand level chart for Finnish universities' university-level teaching and research staff. 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 €2600 – 2800 per month, depending on qualifications. A six-month trial period is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by 16 January 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system.

The application must be written in English (in the University’s Varbi recruitment system) and include the following attachments:

1. Cover letter (max. 1 page), which should include an introduction of yourself and your academic background, and a description of your research interests and motivation towards doctoral studies.
2. CV following the guidelines of the Finnish National Board on Research Integrity TENK (max. 3 pages)
3. Certificates and transcripts of records: Scanned electronic copies of all pages of a) diplomas and b) transcripts of the records of relevant previous degrees. If the original documents are not in Finnish, Swedish or English, each document must be accompanied by an official certified translation into Finnish or English.
4. Research plan following the guidelines of the Academy of Finland (max. 4 pages + references)

Applicants whose profiles best match the position will be invited to an on-site or remote interview. All candidates will be notified of the outcome during the selection process.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, such as people of different ages, genders, and linguistic, cultural, or minority groups.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact the project PIs:

Assistant Professor, Nuutti Tervo, nuutti.tervo@oulu.fi

Adjunct Professor, Mariella Särestöniemi, mariella.sarestoniemi@oulu.fi