AI-Driven System and Link Design for Integrated Non-terrestrial Networks

Karlstad University; Leuven; Sur place; EUR 20 000 - 30 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

PhD scholarship for up to four years.

Opportunities to participate in international conferences.

Access to state-of-the-art laboratories.

Résumé du poste

Karlstad University in Leuven seeks a PhD candidate for a groundbreaking project on AI-driven system design for integrated non-terrestrial networks. You will work within the WaveCoRE research group, focusing on next-generation wireless systems.

This scholarship offers four years of funding, extensive training, and opportunities to collaborate internationally and publish research. Ideal candidates hold a Master's in Electrical or Telecommunication Engineering and have a strong background in wireless communication and signal processing.

Qualifications

• Ranked within the top 10% of the class for both MSc and BSc, with exceptional grades.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; fluent in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international team.

Responsabilités

• Contribute to a software-defined radio-based spectrum-sensing experimental testbed.
• Investigate machine-learning and AI-driven algorithms for NTN channel prediction.
• Explore novel handover and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) adaptation strategies.

Connaissances

Wireless communication

Signal processing

Networking fundamentals

Software-defined radio (SDR)

PCB design

Formation

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunication Engineering

Outils

USRP

NI

LimeSDR

Description du poste

AI-Driven System and Link Design for Integrated Non-terrestrial Networks

The research group WaveCoRE in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) focuses on electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, and wireless systems. Within WaveCoRE, the Networked Systems team works on non‑terrestrial UAV and satellite networks, next‑generation radio access networks, the sustainable Internet of Things, joint communication and sensing, and machine learning‑based signal processing.

Project

Future 6G networks are expected to support immersive wireless sensing applications by seamlessly integrating terrestrial and non‑terrestrial networks (NTN), including aerial platforms and satellite systems. These applications operate in highly dynamic environments with rapidly changing propagation conditions, user mobility, intermittent line‑of‑sight links, and heterogeneous radio access technologies. Conventional reactive mobility management and link adaptation struggle to maintain reliable connectivity and quality of service in such contexts. Moreover, the lack of accurate, real‑time representations of the radio environment prevents networks from anticipating connectivity disruptions and optimizing resource allocation proactively.

This PhD project addresses these challenges through the development of predictive network intelligence for integrated terrestrial and NTN systems. In its first phase, the candidate will contribute to a software‑defined radio‑based spectrum‑sensing experimental testbed that combines terrestrial and aerial measurement campaigns to collect large‑scale radio‑environment data. These measurements will support the creation of AI‑based Digital Twin models that virtualise and forecast the evolution of the radio‑electric environment. In the second phase, the candidate will investigate machine‑learning and AI‑driven algorithms for NTN channel prediction, enabling proactive mobility management across heterogeneous networks. Building on these predictive capabilities, novel handover and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) adaptation strategies will be explored to improve service continuity for sensing and communication applications spanning ground, aerial, and satellite infrastructures.

Profile

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunication Engineering.
• Ranked within the top 10 % of the class for both MSc and BSc, with exceptional grades.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; fluent in English.
• Solid background in wireless communication, signal processing, and networking fundamentals.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in an international team.
• Experience with software‑defined radio (SDR) systems (e.g., USRP, NI, LimeSDR, or similar) is an advantage.
• Hands‑on experience with PCB design is a plus.

Offer

• PhD scholarship for up to four years, subject to positive intermediate evaluations. Non‑EER applicants may receive up to one year of pre‑doctoral support.
• Exciting research environment at the intersection of theory and implementation in a multidisciplinary setting.
• PhD title from a highly ranked university after approximately four years of successful research.
• Thorough scientific education with the possibility of becoming a world‑class researcher.
• Affiliation with KU Leuven, one of the largest research universities in Europe.
• Opportunities to participate in international conferences, workshops, and collaborations with top EU research teams.
• State‑of‑the‑art laboratories and cutting‑edge technology for the project.

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful, and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.