Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp
The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.
The Department of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Wireless Localization and Sensing in Integrated Satellite and Terrestrial Networks.
The offered position contributes to the WiSeNet (Wireless Sensing-Immersive Integrated Satellite and Terrestrial Network) project, an FWO SBO project developing the next generation of AI-native integrated satellite and terrestrial 6G networks.
This PhD position is centred on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for highly accurate localisation, tracking, and collision avoidance of unmanned vehicles (UAVs) using terrestrial 5G/6G networks and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. Rather than relying solely on dedicated positioning technologies such as GNSS, the research investigates how communication signals themselves can simultaneously provide reliable wireless connectivity and high-precision sensing. The objective is to develop localisation and sensing algorithms that achieve near-GNSS accuracy while improving robustness, energy efficiency, and spectrum utilisation in integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
Position
- You will conduct high quality research under the supervision of Prof. Raf Berkvens and Dr. Thomas Janssen as a member of the IDLab research group at imec and the University of Antwerp.
- You will closely collaborate with other researchers at IDLab.
- You will develop novel ISAC-based collision avoidance algorithms that exploit communication signals and their reflections to sense surrounding obstacles, nearby UAVs and the environment. The developed methods will combine wireless sensing with digital map information (e.g. 3D building models), enabling safe autonomous navigation in complex urban environments. The algorithms will be validated using realistic simulations and experimental measurements obtained from software-defined radios, 5G testbeds and LEO satellite receivers available within IDLab’s research infrastructure.
- You will write detailed technical evaluation reports on the developed solutions, implementation, and experiments, leading to publications in major conferences and journals in the field of wireless communications, and/or embedded computing.
- You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology Department (at most 20% of your time).
Profile
- You have a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
- You can demonstrate excellent study results (as a minimum requirement distinction and preferably great distinction).
- Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
- Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
- You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
- You have a profound knowledge of wireless communications, networking, and signal processing.
- You have at least intermediate knowledge of machine learning algorithms.
- Knowledge of satellite communications, wireless sensing, radio propagation, optimization, or digital twins is considered an asset.
- You have strong programming skills in Python and/or MATLAB.
- Knowledge of machine learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch or TensorFlow), SDR hardware (e.g., USRP), and software (e.g., GNURadio, MATLAB, LabView) is a plus.
- You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
- You have a high proficiency in oral and written English.
What we offer
- We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation each year, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
- The planned start date is 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible after that date.
- Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
- You will receive eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
- As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
- An inspiring and modern work environment in The Beacon innovation hub, walking distance from the historical city center of Antwerp.
- Access to state-of-the-art lab infrastructure, including an AI compute cluster, and a recently deployed 6G Perceptive Radio Lab with cutting-edge Software Defined Radios and programmable beamformers to conduct real-world ISAC experiments.
- Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.
Want to apply?
- You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 10 August 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
- a motivation letter
- the requested degree
- your academic CV (research experience, work experience, teaching experience, educational record) including:
- a transcript of study results
- two reference letters with appropriate contact details
- an English proficiency certificate
- The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
- If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact prof. dr. Raf Berkvens ([email protected])
The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.
