PhD Position Multi-Band Fusion in JCAS

6G networks won't just connect — they will see. Join us as a PhD student to build radio imaging systems capable of mm-level sensing, from healthcare to infrastructure monitoring.

This PhD position focuses on multi-band fusion in Joint Communication and Sensing (JCAS), developing radio imaging systems for next-generation cellular and Wi-Fi networks.

Job description

Next-generation cellular networks – including 6G and future Wi-Fi systems – will not only communicate but also sense their surroundings in a radar-like manner, an emerging paradigm known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Existing ISAC systems can perform target detection and parameter estimation, such as distance and moving velocity, and even target tracking and recognition.

However, by fully leveraging the ubiquity and spectral agility of communication networks, a finer-grained representation of the environment could be obtained through radio imaging, similar to spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. This would enable applications with significant social and environmental impact in healthcare, remote structural monitoring of buildings or bridges, landslide and flood prevention, among others.

This PhD project focuses on designing radio imaging algorithms exploiting the multiple disjoint frequency bands available in existing and future communication networks, which span from below GHz to millimeter-wave bands. Such frequency diversity will be leveraged as a means to obtain highly informative images of targets of interest, possibly combining physics and signal processing algorithms with deep learning methods to overcome the difficulty of exactly modeling multiband scattering phenomena.

The developed algorithms and methods will be targeted for applications with high societal impact, such as cm- and mm-level human motion sensing and remote environmental monitoring.

From a methodological perspective, the above research challenges will be tackled through a mix of theory, algorithm design, and analysis of experimental data, partly collected by the applicant and partly acquired through external collaborations with top-level research partners in Europe.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on multiband integrated imaging and communications systems, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
• Design multiband radio imaging algorithms for communications systems, based on the integration of standard signal processing and deep learning.
• Analyze radio signal scattering from extended targets across wide frequency ranges.
• Design methods to predict the reflectivity of targets of interest in non-observed regions of space and spectrum.
• Design performance metrics to evaluate joint imaging and communication systems across multiple bands.
• Verify theoretical results and test algorithms on experimental data.
• Contribute to the scientific community's knowledge through high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with partner academic institutions and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
• Prepare and defend the Ph.D. thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.

The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of the Department of Microelectronics within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS).

As part of MS3, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including highly regarded professors in microwave and radar technology. MS3 research facilities include Europe-leading laboratories with sophisticated radar setups like the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments. This robust infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.

Beyond technical training, MS3 encourages a collaborative research environment, promoting innovation in radar applications while fostering development through access to conferences and professional networking opportunities.

Job requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in signal processing and wireless systems (telecom, radar).
• Knowledge of electromagnetics is highly appreciated.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
• Interest in experimental research is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)

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, its engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

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.

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.

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