项目介绍

2025年1月18日

The research group WaveCoRE in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) is dedicated to advancing the fields of electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, and wireless systems. Within WaveCoRE, the Networked Systems team covers research on several fields of wireless communications, including non-terrestrial UAV and satellite networks, next-generation radio access networks, sustainable Internet of things, joint communication and sensing, as well as machine learning-based signal processing.

Website van de eenheid

Project

Low Earth orbit (LEO) mega constellations are gaining significant momentum, positioning themselves as a unique and timely enabler for global next-generation communication networks. Such mega constellations are expected to play a vital role in future 6G networks, offering cost-effective, high-capacity connectivity with seamless zero-gap global coverage, complementing terrestrial 6G infrastructure. This dynamic and mobile non-terrestrial infrastructure promises enhanced reliability, availability, and responsiveness. However, it poses several open fundamental challenges, such as designing low-latency inter-satellite links (ISLs) for network coordination and synchronisation and optimising the network resources to ensure reliable communication and localisation services. Addressing these two challenges will be the main focus of this PhD project.

In the first phase, the PhD student will focus on the physical and MAC layers of LEO mega-constellations, aiming for a low-latency network coordination approach. AI-driven solutions, such as graph-neural networks, will be explored and benchmarked against state-of-the-art network coordination and synchronisation solutions for LEO mega-constellations. In the second phase, resource allocation in a coordinated and synchronised cluster of LEO satellites will be optimised, aiming for reliable broadband connectivity and accurate user localisation. This project consists of both analytical and experimental work, where the proposed designs and algorithms will be carefully modelled, characterised and implemented in our state-of-the-art lab.

Profile

We are looking for highly motivated PhD researchers with an interest in communication systems design. The applicant should 

• have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunication Engineering,
• be ranked within the top 10% of their class in MSc and BSc, and have exceptional grades,
• have has strong communication skills and is fluent in English,
• have a solid background in wireless communication and networking fundamentals, 
• have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an international team.
• Experience in AI-enabled signal processing and machine learning algorithms is a valuable addition.

Offer

We offer:

• A PhD scholarship for up to four years (subject to positive intermediate evaluations). If the applicant is non-EER, up to 1 year of pre-doc will also be supported. 
• An exciting research environment, working on the intersection between theory and implementation in a very multi-disciplinary research environment.
• A PhD title from a highly ranked university (#1 in Europe in terms of scientific innovation) after approximately 4 years of successful research.
• A thorough scientific education, the possibility of becoming a world-class researcher.
• A KU Leuven affiliation, one of the largest research universities in Europe.
• You will be working on a state-of-the-art topic with state-of-the-art laboratories.
• The possibility to participate in international conferences, workshops and collaborations with top EU research teams.

Interested?

To apply please submit the following in the online portal:- A CV mentioning BSc and MSc average grades.- A motivation letter (1 page maximum)- Complete transcripts of Bachelor and Master Degrees (if the MSc degree is not finished yet, please send the most recent transcript).- (if available) IELTS, TOEFL or similar test proving your proficiency in English.
For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Hazem Sallouha, tel.: +32 16 37 62 43, mail: hazem.sallouha@kuleuven.be or of Prof. dr. ir. Sofie Pollin, tel.: +32 16 32 10 51, mail: sofie.pollin@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than March 31, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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