Master Graduation Internship | ISAC Testbed Development, Experiment and Performance Assessment

Make your mark on our time. Become an intern at TNO!

About this position

At TNO, we have developed a basic Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) testbed using URSPs and aim to integrate it with our existing B5G/6G testbed. This way, we want to test the feasibility and scope of ISAC, determine use-cases and do sensitivity analysis on its performance with respect to change in number of nodes (transmitters and receivers), waveform parameters, object types, etc.

What will be your role?

Key activities of the proposed project include:

• To enhance the available ISAC testbed that enables both monostatic and bistatic sensing of nearby objects using 5G NR waveform generated using USRP(s).
• To integrate radio resource management solutions that addresses (sensing and communications) topology management, scheduling, beamforming with the testbed. This would emulate a more real-life scenario where communications and sensing would happen together.
• To utilise aforementioned testbed to conduct an extensive set of experiments of either AI/ML-based or heuristic management solutions for a range of relevant scenarios and possibly distinct optimisation timescales.
• To derive key insights and conclusions w.r.t. both the attainable performance and the sensitivity thereof w.r.t. selected scenario and management aspects and the performance trade-off between communication and sensing tasks.

This master graduation project follows a previous master graduation project, and involves closely working with TNO employees. Further, the project will be conducted as part of the large nationally funded research programme ‘Future Network Services’, bringing together >60 partners. The proposed MSc project is envisioned to involve collaborations/regular interactions with FNS partners.

What we expect from you

You are a graduate student pursuing a Master's degree, preferably in the direction of Electrical Engineering or Computer Science. You have affinity with / interest in mobile networks, computer simulations, machine learning and have programming experience. You have an enterprising, flexible and cooperative nature. You are also communicative, creative and innovative. Duration of the master graduation project is typically 9 months.

Key strengths we are looking for include:

• Familiarity with using hardware. You would be working with USRPs, antennas, and NUCs. You may be required to understand complex datasheets and integrate different components together.
• Previous knowledge/expertise in concepts such as 5G/6G, wireless communications, signal and radar processing, waveform designs.
• Ability to conduct research independently under mentorship/supervision.
• Fluency in English in speaking as well as writing.

What you'll get in return

An internship at TNO means working in an environment where substance and impact are central. You will become part of a knowledge organisation where research and practice come together, and where experts collaborate on solutions to current societal and technological challenges.

Your internship is a period in which you can discover what suits you, where your strengths lie and what you would like to learn next. You are part of a professional working environment, gain insight into how things work in practice, and have the opportunity to build experience that goes beyond this internship alone. For many students, an internship is therefore also a first step in discovering whether TNO could be a potential next step after graduation.

In addition, we offer you:

• A professional and innovative internship environment in which you actively contribute to societal and technological challenges, working alongside leading experts in your field.
• Personal and dedicated supervision, with focus on your learning objectives, development and study assignment.
• Room to develop: you gain relevant work experience, develop both your subject‑specific and professional skills, and build a valuable network.
• Use of a laptop and the facilities you need to perform your work effectively.
• A monthly internship allowance of € 615 for a full-time internship, for MSc, BSc and vocational education (MBO) students.
• Up to eight hours of leave per internship month for a full-time internship, allowing you to balance your internship with your studies and personal life.
• A contribution towards travel expenses if you are not entitled to a student travel card.
• A free membership to Jong TNO: the network for young colleagues, where you can meet other TNO colleagues and participate in sports activities, professional and personal development activities, and social events such as the annual ski trip.

TNO as an employer

Our people are at the heart of TNO. Their curiosity, expertise and entrepreneurial mindset make it possible to deliver high-impact research and innovations that contribute to society’s sustainable wellbeing and prosperity.

Your talent and ambition have every opportunity to flourish at TNO. You work with experts (both within and beyond TNO), have access to advanced technology and the freedom to explore, experiment and innovate. Our strength lies in independence, reliability and collaboration.