PhD Position Operational Performance of Antenna Arrays in Presence of Heterogeneous Environment

Antennas are the eyes of any wireless system, from telecom to sensing. Join us as a PhD student to research antennas that precisely point to a user in complex environments.

Job description

The key open challenge in the current state of the art is to predict operational radiation patterns of antenna arrays, including the impact of the environment. This PhD project focuses on the operational performance of antenna arrays in the presence of a surface duct. The objective is to develop a procedure to reconstruct surface duct properties using external transmitters of opportunity and to predict realistic radiation of ship-based antenna arrays within such an environment. Both the surface duct impact on naval radar operation and the use of the developed procedure to predict radar operation will be studied.

From a methodological perspective, these 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 EM wave propagation in complex environments.
• Formulate the inversion problem to reconstruct environmental properties using received signals from a variety of EM wave sources located in different positions.
• Propose and implement computationally efficient solutions to the inverse problem.
• Predict the performance of a sensing system in such an environment.
• Collect experimental data to verify theoretical results and test algorithms on experimental data.
• Contribute to the scientific community 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 PhD thesis summarizing 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). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. Leveraging electromagnetics as a core foundation, MS3’s work spans applications in safety, environmental monitoring, automotive radar, and healthcare technologies. As part of MS3, you will 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 such as the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments. This infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.

Job requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in signal processing and wireless systems such as telecom or radar.
• Deep knowledge of electromagnetics is highly appreciated.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
• Previous experience 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)

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 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 within an international community of professionals and students.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, structured as two employment contracts: an initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no-go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional 2.5-year contract assuming satisfactory progress 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 transferable, discipline-related, and research skills.

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