The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for PhD stipends/integrated stipends in the field of communication systems and representation, compression, learning, and inference for classical and quantum data. The stipends are within the general study programme Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Wireless Communications, and available from October 1, 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 Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE) is a pioneering research initiative at Aalborg University, Denmark, and is headed by Prof. Petar Popovski. The center aims to revolutionize communication systems for the quantum age. As quantum technologies rapidly advance, CLASSIQUE focuses on a critical challenge: how to evolve classical communication networks to support both traditional data and the unique requirements of quantum information systems (https://www.classique.aau.dk). CLASSIQUE will address a suite of fresh research challenges defined by the intersection of digital applications that have real-time requirements and quantum resources that are time-constrained due to the decoherence and volatility. CLASSIQUE is organized into four research thrusts that rely upon interdisciplinary competences in: communication theory, networking, information theory, physics, mathematics, computer science, and statistics

This PhD projects falls under Research Thrusts RT1 and RT3 on communication systems and representation, compression, learning, and inference for classical and quantum data exchanged through classical and quantum networks. The objective of the PhD studies are to explore and address research and design challenges that include (but are not limited to):

• Efficient networked classical-quantum systems
• Communication models within timing constraints in quantum applications
• Algorithms and protocols for joint transfer of digital data and entanglement
• Networked quantum sensing supported by distributed classical communication
• Compression of quantum data under unreliable entanglement assistance
• Joint compression and error correction for robust communication in the quantum-classical internet
• Quantum embeddings for machine learning

Your competencies
Prospective applicants to this PhD proposal should have the following qualifications:

• For three-year stipends: MSc degree in electrical engineering, communications engineering, mathematical engineering, mathematics, computer science or similar;
• For integrated stipends: Currently enrolled in a MSc programme in electrical engineering, communications engineering, mathematical engineering, mathematics, computer science or similar;
• Solid mathematical and analytical skills, including signal processing, optimization, or information theory;
• Experience in programming, e.g., in C++, Python or Matlab. Experience with quantum simulators, such as NetSquid, is a plus;
• Familiarity with the basic concepts of quantum information and quantum computing;
• Curiosity to research and develop new solutions in collaboration with senior and junior researchers within the research group and the Center CLASSIQUE;
  Readiness to collaborate with the researchers from other disciplines within the Center CLASSIQUE.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. Integrated PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who has not yet completed a Master’s degree and who wish to begin the PhD study in connection with the Master study. Thus, a prerequisite for acceptance is that the candidate is enrolled in a relevant Master’s programme.

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 candidates will be hosted by the Section on Connectivity or the Section on AI & Sound that are both part of the CLASSIQUE center. The Section on Connectivity is led by Prof. Petar Popovski, who also leads Research Thrust 1 (RT1) within the center. The Section on AI & Sound is led by Prof. Jan Østergaard, who also heads RT3. A dedicated supervisory team composed of experts from the departments of electronic systems, computer science, and mathematics will be assembled to support the interdisciplinarity of the PhD project. The CLASSIQUE Center provides a world-class research environment, outstanding working and networking opportunities, and full employment benefits, including a competitive salary.

How to apply
Your application must include the following:
o    Application, stating reasons for applying and qualifications in relation to the position, 
o    Curriculum Vitae (CV)
o    Diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s degree diploma) If you are applying for an integrated stipend enclose copy of your transcripts from the MSc programme you are enrolled in. 
o    Project description Applicants are required to submit, along with their application documents, a one-page statement, indicating their vision for research to be conducted in relation to the project topics outlined above. 
o    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: Prof. Petar Popovski, email: petarp@es.aau.dk and Prof. Jan Østergaard, jo@es.aau.dk, Department of Electronic Systems.

Further information  
The integrated stipend consists of two parts, A and B. During part A you are enrolled simultaneously in the Master’s programme and in the PhD programme. The stipend consists of two SU-PhD Grants per month (SU=The Danish students’ Grants and Loans Scheme). One SU-PhD grant equals DKK 7.086 kr. (2025 level). SU-PhD Grants are paid for a maximum of two years. Your status during part A will be as a student. When the Master’s degree has been obtained, you will be employed for two years as a PhD fellow according to the present collective agreement. Part B has a maximum duration of two years. 

During part A 4+4 PhD students are offered hourly paid work at the department amounting to 16 hours per month during the two years. The type of work is decided by the department but should e.g. be teaching assignments, assistance with research projects, dissemination, and other work that can relieve the rest of the academic staff.

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 (only 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) (only in Danish).

Allocation of SU-PhD Grants are according to the Ministerial Order on the State Educational Grant and Loan Scheme part 12, section II. This applies only to integrated PhD stipends.

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 Jan Østergaard: jo@es.aau.dk
• Professor Petar Popovski: petarp@es.aau.dk

Ref number

2025/356

Deadline

03.09.2025