Senior Research Specialist

Jobtailor; Oulu; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Nokia is seeking a senior researcher to lead end-to-end 6G radio protocol research across core areas including user plane design and AI-enabled features. You will represent Nokia in 3GPP RAN2, delivering high-quality contributions and shaping future standards.

The role requires a PhD or MSc in EE/communications, 5+ years in radio topics, and strong collaboration across international teams. Fluent English is essential as you drive technology strategy and long-term roadmaps for 6G user plane

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, communications, signal processing, or related field.
• 5+ years of research experience in 6G-relevant radio topics.
• Prior 3GPP standardization experience.
• Fluent in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end 6G radio protocol research in designated areas, including design and evaluation of user plane components (SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, QoS) and AI-enabled features.
• Investigate interactions between MAC and physical layer, focusing on L2 procedures for HARQ, scheduling, MIMO, and AI enablers.
• Serve as Nokia’s delegate to 3GPP RAN2 or operate as Nokia researcher on 3GPP RAN2 User Plane topics, delivering high-quality technical contributions and aligning standardization outcomes with Nokia priorities.
• Develop pioneering 6G IP related to radio protocol areas and embed AI-first principles into standards research.
• Represent Nokia in 3GPP and external forums, advocating advanced radio protocol designs and architectures.
• Contribute to Nokia’s 6G technology and standards strategy and long-term research roadmaps for user plane radio protocols.
• Collaborate with physical layer, radio performance, RF, regulatory, and system teams to ensure a coherent transition from research concepts to product-relevant technologies.

Skills

5G/6G expertise

English fluency

3GPP delegate experience

Research leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in EE/communications

Job description

Overview

Lead end-to-end 6G radio protocol research across core areas of 6G radio technologies, including user plane design for SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, QoS, and AI awareness; examine interactions between MAC and the physical layer such as L2 procedures for HARQ, scheduling, MIMO, and AI enablers; act as Nokia’s delegate representative to 3GPP RAN2 or as a Nokia researcher on 3GPP RAN2 User Plane topics. Develop pioneering 6G intellectual property on radio protocol areas and embed AI-first principles into 6G standards research. Represent and champion Nokia’s technical leadership in 3GPP and external research forums, advocating next-generation radio protocol design and architectures. Shape Nokia’s 6G technology and standards strategy, contributing to long-term research roadmaps for radio protocols on the user plane aligned with business and ecosystem priorities. Collaborate closely with physical layer, radio performance, RF, regulatory, and system teams to ensure coherent evolution from research concepts to product-relevant technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end 6G radio protocol research in designated areas, including design and evaluation of user plane components (SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, QoS) and AI-enabled features.
• Investigate interactions between MAC and physical layer, focusing on L2 procedures for HARQ, scheduling, MIMO, and AI enablers.
• Serve as Nokia’s delegate to 3GPP RAN2 or operate as Nokia researcher on 3GPP RAN2 User Plane topics, delivering high-quality technical contributions and aligning standardization outcomes with Nokia priorities.
• Develop pioneering 6G IP related to radio protocol areas and embed AI-first principles into standards research.
• Represent Nokia in 3GPP and external forums, advocating advanced radio protocol designs and architectures.
• Contribute to Nokia’s 6G technology and standards strategy and long-term research roadmaps for user plane radio protocols.
• Collaborate with physical layer, radio performance, RF, regulatory, and system teams to ensure a coherent transition from research concepts to product-relevant technologies.

Qualifications

• Strong system-level expertise in 5G and/or emerging 6G systems.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, communications, signal processing, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of radio access systems and associated technology challenges.
• Solid grasp of radio product portfolios and wireless business strategy.
• Familiarity with AI-driven research methodologies, including data-driven and agentic workflows.
• Prior 3GPP standardization experience.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective 3GPP delegate, including technical authority, preparation and delivery of high-quality contributions, active meeting participation, and coordination across internal stakeholders to form coherent Nokia positions.
• 5+ years of research experience in 6G-relevant radio topics.
• Proven track record in concept development, performance evaluation, and technical leadership in complex research programs and/or standards development organizations such as 3GPP.
• Experience working in multinational and cross-cultural environments.
• Strong ability to operate in highly complex, innovation-driven organizations.
• Proactive in scouting, assessing, and applying state-of-the-art research results.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.