The Department of Electronic Systems at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for one or more PhD stipends in the field of 6G wireless communication systems: intelligence, satellites, and sensing. The PhD stipends are within the general study programme wireless communications and open for appointment from September 1, 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter. 

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.
  
Your work tasks    
The applications and communication scenarios in 6G will be challenging due to stringent requirements in terms of latency, reliability, privacy, and efficiency. Furthermore, 6G networks are envisioned to integrate a wide range of user terminals and network elements, which vary from small devices with limited capabilities to terrestrial base stations and even low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, creating a diverse and dynamic 3D environment. We are looking for one or more enthusiastic and talented PhD candidates to conduct research in the general area of 6G wireless technologies along the following research lines.

Research line 1: "Digital twinning for 3D network optimization" focuses on developing distributed digital twin architectures and mechanisms for distributed network optimization in networks that seamlessly integrate devices on ground, air, and space. This project aims to contribute to a flexible architecture based on O-RAN that leverages digital twins for the on-the-fly adaptation of large-scale 3D networks with non-geostationary orbit satellites as core network components. This study project will be conducted in collaboration with researchers from the North Eastern University, Boston, USA, and Keysight, Denmark.

Research line 2: "Energy-efficient Sensing and Computing in 6G networks" is dedicated to the interplay of data collection/sensing, communication, and computing according to the requirements for learning or inference by various AI modules deployed in the devices and the network. This line of work will investigate the fundamental tradeoffs among latency, accuracy, and energy efficiency.

Your competencies   

Prospective applicants should have the following qualifications:

• M.Sc. degree in wireless communications, communications engineering, computer engineering or similar;
• solid mathematical and analytical skills;
• experience in programming, e.g., in C++, Python or Matlab (experience with programming of sofware defined radios and/or off-the-shelf communication modules is a plus);
• a creative mindset and curiosity to research and develop new solutions with highly skilled colleagues.

Qualification requirements

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    

The successful candidate will be hosted by the Connectivity group, which works on novel concepts for communication and networking in wireless systems. This includes emerging 6G technologies, but also more general problems in communication theory. The group's research activities are organized in focused subgroups covering topics such as the interplay between AI/ML learning/inference and communications; low-latency and time-constrained communication; satellite and non-terrestrial networking; experimental works on open-radio access network (O-RAN); and quantum communications. The group features a dynamic and international working atmosphere and is located in Aalborg, an emerging peaceful city in the northern part of Denmark that tops quality-of-life charts. The successful candidate will enjoy a world-class research environment, excellent working and networking conditions, and full employment benefits accompanied by a competitive salary.

How to apply 
Your application must include the following:

• Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position,
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Diplomas (bachelor and master's degree diploma)
• Project description: Applicants are required to submit, along with their application documents, a one-page statement of the planned research to be conducted in relation to one of the two research topics outlined above
• Other relevant documents

The application must be submitted via Aalborg University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aalborg University's website. 

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact us. You will find contact persons at the bottom of the jobpost.

Further information  
We recommend that you save a copy of the job posting, as it will be removed once the application deadline has passed.  

The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.
Shortlisting will be applied. This means that after the application deadline, the head of the department, with the assistance of the hiring committee, will select the applicants to be assessed. All applicants will be informed whether they have been shortlisted for assessment or not.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (in Danish). 

Aalborg University - Knowledge for the world
Aalborg University is an international workplace with more than 3,700 employees. We offer real-world-oriented education and create world-class research results through collaboration between researchers, students, and public and private companies. This is how we achieve insights, new solutions to societal problems, and knowledge that changes the world. Our main campus is in Aalborg, but we also have campuses in Esbjerg and Copenhagen.

Contacts

• Professor Petar Popovski: petarp@es.aau.dk
• HR Support: HR-Support@adm.aau.dk

Ref number

2025/257

Deadline

03.08.2025