PhD position \"6G-Native Distributed Intelligence for Physical AI\"

Delft University of Technology; Delft; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Customisable compensation package

Discounts on health insurance

Monthly work costs contribution

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a PhD position in the 6G flagship project focused on native distributed intelligence for Physical AI. You will research AI/ML techniques across embedded devices, edge and cloud, under latency and resource constraints, within an international team.

The position is four years, with a structured TU Delft Graduate School program, generous salary and allowances, and strong opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in computer science or related field.
• Strong research and analytical abilities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on 6G-native distributed AI for Physical AI.
• Develop and evaluate AI workload distribution across edge/cloud.
• Collaborate with consortium partners and publish results.

Skills

English proficiency

Research skills

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science

Job description

Join the Dutch 6G flagship project to help shape the future of communications.

PhD position "6G-Native Distributed Intelligence for Physical AI"

• Hours per week: 36-40
• FTE: 1.0

Job description

Join the frontier of innovation in 6G: the future of mobile networks technology! In the Netherlands, a unique alliance of 60 top-notch ICT companies, semiconductor firms, and research institutions has united to spearhead specific aspects of 6G: (1) software antennas, (2) AI-driven network software, and (3) groundbreaking 6G applications. Join us as a PhD student in this prestigious Future Network Services (FNS) flagship project, where research and entrepreneurial pursuits converge.

How can 6G enable resource-constrained Physical AI by dynamically distributing and adapting AI workloads across embedded devices, the edge, and the cloud, while jointly orchestrating communication, computation, and sensing under strict latency, reliability, and resource constraints? The project will investigate resource-aware 6G-native distributed AI techniques such as collaborative and split inference, adaptive model partitioning and selection, computation offloading, and cross-layer resource orchestration. A particular focus will be on how 6G can enable Physical AI systems to adapt to changing network, compute, sensor, and energy conditions while maintaining predictable performance.

You’ll be joining an internationally diverse and thriving team, providing ample opportunities for riveting sparring and knowledge sharing. Fostering a highly collaborative and friendly atmosphere, we will give you all the support you need to develop and grow. Moreover, as a valued member of the FNS consortium, you can collaborate with various partners in pursuit of integrating your AI/ML techniques into the various 6G PoCs and demos.

Job requerements

Become part of an expansive ecosystem shaping the development of 6G. You will benefit from training in 5G and beyond networks, AI, and software development. Plus, you will gain exclusive access to (1) a state-of-the-art testbed where theory meets real-world application, and (2) an ecosystem that cultivates entrepreneurial endeavours.

Are you ready to challenge yourself? We're seeking candidates who have, or are about to receive, a Master-of-Science degree in a relevant computer science discipline and who like to combine theory with practice. Proficiency in English is essential, as you'll collaborate within a diverse, international community. While a strong background in the field is crucial, what matters as well is your creative flair, motivation, and above all, your passion for comprehensive research!

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment - which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Eligibility

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.