PhD Student in Radio System Design for Positioning-aided Wireless Networks

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an exciting research collaboration between Mid Sweden University (MIUN) in Sweden and the National University of Technology and Science (NUST) in Pakistan. The selected candidate will spend the first year of their PhD studies at NUST in Pakistan, followed by three years at MIUN in Sweden. Additionally, the candidate will have the opportunity to spend time at the offices of industrial partners, gaining hands-on experience in an industry-driven research environment.

The doctoral position is part of the international research school IRS TransTech, where you will have the opportunity to collaborate with leading international universities and Swedish companies. The research school focuses on transformative technologies such as AI, IoT, and advanced materials, to drive sustainable industrial development and strengthen international research and business networks.

This PhD project will focus on developing localization and positioning solutions in cellular networks, leveraging uplink channel state information (CSI). The research will involve designing flexible and programmable radio systems, such as base station architectures, and exploring the integration of simultaneous transmitting and reflecting reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (STAR-RIS) in the sub-10 GHz spectrum.

As part of this position, you will work closely with leading academic and industry experts, contributing to cutting-edge innovations in next-generation wireless communication systems.

Job description
As a Ph.D. candidate, your main task is to pursue research and graduate studies. You will collaborate closely with researchers at Mid Sweden University, NUST, and the Swedish company. The position includes 100% research. The candidate is expected to pursue theoretical and experimental research.

Requirements
To be considered for a PhD position, the applicant must meet the entry requirements for admission to Mid Sweden University´s third-cycle programme. To meet the entry requirements, the applicant must have a second-cycle degree or have completed at least 240 ETCS credits of which at least 60 credits should be second-cycle courses. An additional requirement is that 90 credits of the 240 total must consist of courses in Computer Engineering. The applicant is also eligible for consideration if s/he has acquired the corresponding knowledge in some other way. A Master of Science degree in wireless communication, electrical engineering, signal processing, computer engineering, or engineering physics is an appropriate background for employment.

Assessment
In addition to the formal requirements, selection is also based on other works (e.g., thesis), advanced-level courses, and interviews of applicants. A strong background in wireless communication, channel modeling, optimization, signal processing and estimation, and programming is preferable. Previous experience in communication systems, wireless positioning, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), and programming in C/C++, Matlab, or Python is meritorious. Fluent written and oral communication in English is mandatory. Personal qualities such as the ability to collaborate, take initiatives, and suitability for doctoral studies will be weighed together with the formal subject knowledge. A brief description of the applicant's visions and goals must be included in the application.

Employment process
Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures. 

Terms of employment and entry
The first year of the doctoral program is conducted at NUST in Pakistan according to the scholarship conditions applicable there. Years 2-4 of the doctoral program are conducted at Miun, when the doctoral student will be employed. The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. Entry date according to agreement, preferably during the autumn semester 2025.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Placement: The first year is carried out at the National University of Science (NUST), Pakistan, and then the final three years at Mid Sweden University.

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University's salary scale for doctoral students while in Sweden and in accordance with NUST's scholarship terms while in Pakistan.

Information
For further information, please contact Assoc. Prof. Aamir Mahmood (aamir.mahmood@miun.se),  Prof. Syed Ali Hassan (NUST, Pakistan), ali.hassan@seecs.edu.pk  or Dr. Patrik Österberg (Head of Department), patrik.osterberg@miun.se, phone +4660148614.

Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English. The application should include a verified CV, copies of official transcripts and degree certificates, a description of objectives according to the above as well as other documents the applicant would like to refer to. Please welcome to apply through our recruitment tool no later than 17-04-2025.