The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a postdoc in the fields of Hybrid classical-quantum wireless communication  as per June 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is available for a period of 24 months.

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 successful candidate will be affiliated with the Connectivity Section, which also hosts the Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE). The position is organized around two research themes of approximately equal scope. Across both themes, the position emphasizes adaptive and resource-aware design under uncertainty in networked communication systems.

The first theme deals with Digital Twins for Physical AI over Wireless Networks. The researcher will study how geometry- and data-driven digital twins of wireless environments can support learning, inference, and coordination in physical AI systems such as robots, vehicles, or distributed sensing platforms. The objective is to develop models and algorithms that capture spatial variability, uncertainty, and communication constraints, and to understand how these factors influence perception, adaptation, and distributed decision-making.

The second theme is on Quantum Communications and Networking. It includes investigation of theoretical and algorithmic aspects of quantum communication systems, such as quantum coding strategies, entanglement management, and adaptive quantum networking protocols. The research will explore the interaction between classical control communication and quantum information transfer, and how adaptive coding and resource management strategies can support scalable quantum networking architectures. Particular attention will be given to understanding trade-offs between latency, resource consumption, and achievable reliability in distributed quantum communication systems. 
  
Your competencies
Prospective applicants for this postdoctoral position should have the following qualifications:

• PhD degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or similar.
• Strong background in communication systems, optimization, or machine learning for networked systems.
• Experience and publications in two or more of the following areas:
  o    Quantum communication systems or quantum networking
  o    Wireless communication and networking
  o    Statistical learning and optimization
  o    Algorithm design for resource allocation or distributed systems
• Solid mathematical and analytical skills.
• Experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Demonstrated ability to publish research results in high-quality international venues
• Curiosity to work with researchers from a heterogeneous group, with core expertise in communication theory, networking, information theory, statistics, and quantum communication.

Who we are    

The successful candidate will be hosted by the Connectivity Section. The Head of the Section on Connectivity, Prof. Petar Popovski, is also the Director of the Center for Classical Communication in the Quantum Era (CLASSIQUE). The research activities under Theme 2 (Digital Twins for Physical AI over Wireless Networks) will be funded by the Villum Investigator Grant WATER, which explores connected intelligence in next-generation wireless systems. The research activities under Theme 2 (Quantum Communications and Networking) will be carried out within CLASSIQUE. 

The Connectivity Section works in the area of communication theory, wireless communications and networking. Its research activities are organized in five focused subgroups:

1. quantum communications;
2. low-latency communication and sensing
3. satellite and non-terrestrial networking;
4. interplay between AI/ML learning/inference and communications;
5. experimental works on open-radio access network (O-RAN).

The group features a dynamic and international working atmosphere and is located in Aalborg, a 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.

Qualification requirements 
Appointment as postdoc requires academic qualifications at PhD level. 

How to apply  
Your application must include the following: 

• Application, stating reasons for applying, qualifications in relation to the position, and intentions and visions for the position 
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) 
• Diplomas (master's degree diploma and PhD diploma) 
• List of publications, with an indication of the attached publications that you wish to be taken into account in the assessment. You may attach a maximum of five publications. 
• Documentation of teaching qualifications if relevant.
• Dissemination qualifications, including participation on committees or boards, participation in organisations etc. 
• Additional qualifications in relation to the position 
• References/recommendations 

You can read more about the requirements for your application here.    

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 
Read more about our recruitment process here   

The appointment process at Aalborg University involves a shortlisting process. You can read more about the shortlisting and appointment process here.  

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. 

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) (only in Danish) and protocol on certain terms of employment of academic staff at universities (only 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: Aau-hrsupport@adm.aau.dk

Employment type

Full time

Ref number

2026/395

Deadline

24.03.2026