Wireless Communications and Non-Terrestrial Networks

Join TU Delft to help shape the future of wireless communication systems. Our research spans 6G, satellite communications, wireless sensing, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), addressing fundamental challenges in reliable, resilient, and sustainable connectivity. You will join an international research environment that values scientific excellence, creativity, meaningful collaborations, and even makes room for good conversations over high-quality tea.

Job description

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to cutting-edge research on next-generation wireless communication and sensing systems within several European research projects. Your research will address fundamental challenges in terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN/NTN), depending on the project you join.

You will work at the intersection of wireless communications, networking, embedded systems, and satellite technologies. Your research will contribute to the development of reliable, resilient, and sustainable communication infrastructures capable of supporting future global connectivity. You will join the Embedded Systems group within TU Delft’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), an internationally recognized research group in wireless communications, embedded systems, and distributed intelligence.

Depending on your project, you will collaborate with leading universities, research institutes, satellite technology providers, and industrial partners across Europe, while working closely with an international team of PhD candidates and researchers. The position offers access to state-of-the-art SDR platforms, RF measurement equipment, satellite communication testbeds, and wireless experimentation facilities. You will have opportunities to publish at leading international conferences and journals, participate in European research collaborations, undertake international secondments where applicable, and benefit from TU Delft’s PhD training programme, technical courses, and professional development support.

The research topics in this call are at the forefront of wireless communications and satellite systems. As a result, you may feel that your background does not perfectly match the project. Please don’t let that discourage you. Very few PhD candidates start with all the knowledge they will eventually need. Curiosity, motivation, and a strong technical foundation are often much more important than prior experience in a specific research topic.

Our research is inherently interdisciplinary, but the common theme across all projects is wireless communication and sensing, with a particular interest in satellite communication systems and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

We welcome applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including:

• Electrical Engineering, particularly with a background in wireless communications, communication theory, signal processing, or RF systems.
• Aerospace Engineering, especially candidates with experience in LEO satellites, mega-constellations, orbital systems, or space systems, combined with an interest in communication networks.
• Applied Physics or Physics, particularly if you enjoy applying fundamental concepts to real-world engineering challenges.
• Computer Engineering or related disciplines, provided you have a strong interest in communication systems and networking.

If you have a solid technical background and are excited about future wireless and satellite communication systems, we encourage you to apply—even if you do not meet every item in the project description. We value candidates who are eager to learn, think creatively, and work across disciplinary boundaries.

Job requirements

• You hold an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, Physics, or a closely related discipline.
• You have a solid foundation in one or more of the following areas: wireless communications, signal processing, communication theory, networking, satellite systems, radar systems, or related fields.
• You are interested in future wireless communication systems, particularly terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN/NTN), and are motivated to develop expertise in areas such as satellite communications, resilient networking, wireless sensing, or energy-efficient communication systems.
• Experience with software-defined radio platforms (e.g., USRP or GNU Radio), communication system simulation, or wireless experimentation is considered an advantage but is not required.
• You are motivated to work creatively and collaboratively in an international, multidisciplinary research environment.
• You have an excellent command of spoken and written English.

TU Delft as an employer

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.

At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means joining an international community of professionals and students.

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. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position.

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.

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.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by 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. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.