Doctoral scholarship holder Resource-Aware AI for Next-Generation Networks
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 Programmable and Intelligent Networks
Position
* You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis Resource-Aware AI for Next-Generation Networks. The PhD project will investigate resource-aware Artificial Intelligence (AI) mechanisms for next-generation communication systems. The research will focus on designing computationally efficient, scalable, and adaptive AI models that operate under strict constraints in radio access, edge, and non-terrestrial network environments. The position is open to candidates with a strong interest in either: i) Radio/physical-layer intelligence (e.g., channel estimation, CSI prediction, edge-deployable deep learning), or ii) Networking and control-plane intelligence (e.g., reinforcement learning for scheduling, congestion control, link adaptation, and cross-layer optimization). The exact research direction will be refined based on the candidate’s background and interests.
* You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
* You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology Department.
Profile
* You hold a master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a closely related discipline, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
* You can demonstrate excellent study results (at least cum laude/with distinction).
* Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp's educational vision.
* You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
* You have a background in wireless communications, signal processing, or networking (preferred).
* You have strong background in machine learning or deep learning (experience with deep learning frameworks such PyTorch and TensorFlow is a plus).
* You have solid programming skills in Python.
* You have programming experience in C/C++ or MATLAB (preferred).
* You have experience with softwarized network stacks or RAN architectures, such as OAI, srsRAN, and FlexRIC (preferred).
* You have familiarity with edge computing, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), or experimental testbeds (preferred).
* You have interest in efficient AI deployment in real-world constrained environments (preferred).
* You possess the ability to conduct independent research and develop novel algorithms.
* You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* You have a research-oriented mindset and motivation to work at the intersection of AI and communication systems.
* You are proficient in English (written and spoken).
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 July 1 st, 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.
* You will do most of your work at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
* 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 April 23, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
o A motivation letter
o Your academic CV, including:
+ a transcript of study results
+ two reference letters with appropriate contact details.
+ an English proficiency certificate.
o a short research proposal aligned with your research interests radio vs. Networking. Proposal is max. 4 pages, excluding references.
+ The research proposal should include: (i) problem statement & motivation, (ii) expected novelty/impact, (iii) brief approach (models, data/testbeds), (iv) evaluation plan, and (v) alignment with IDLab research on flexible and deterministic networking at the University of Antwerp (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/idlab/research-areas/flexible-deterministic-networking/)
* 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.
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.
Job details
Title
Doctoral scholarship holder Resource-Aware AI for Next-Generation Networks
2026-04-23 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2026-04-23 23:59 (CET)
Closing on: 2026-04-29 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2026-04-23 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2026-04-23 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2026-04-23 (Europe/Brussels)
Closing on: 2026-04-23 (Europe/Brussels
TheUniversity of Antwerpis characterised by its high standards in education, internationally competitive research and entrepreneurial approach.
#J-18808-Ljbffr