Overview
The research centre WaveCoRE in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) of KU Leuven focuses on wireless communication fundamentals and systems. The group conducts research on topics such as Cell-Free Massive MIMO, IoT, machine learning for signal processing, and next-generation wireless networks.
The vacancy is in the context of the European Doctoral Network NEWTON (NovEl tEchnologies for converged Wireless-opTical cOnfiguratioNs), funded under the Horizon Europe programme. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners across Europe to develop innovative 6G network architectures combining wireless and optical technologies.
Please note that applications for this position must be submitted via the NEWTON project website (https://newton-6g.eu/) and not via the KU Leuven application system.
The PhD candidate will be part of an international research and training network, including secondments with industrial and academic partners.
Project
This PhD position focuses on synchronization methods in Cell-Free 6G networks, addressing timing and coordination challenges in distributed systems.
The Research Aims
* design methods for fully coherent CF processing
* develop synchronization techniques with reduced overhead
Expected outcomes include new synchronization approaches for distributed CF network elements. The PhD candidate will collaborate with international partners and complete a secondment at RANPLAN to gain expertise in synchronization for massive MIMO systems.
Applications must be submitted via the NEWTON project website: https://newton-6g.eu/
Profile
* Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related field
* Strong background in wireless communications and/or signal processing
* Knowledge of MIMO, channel modelling, or Cell-Free systems is a plus
* Programming skills (e.g. MATLAB or Python)
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* Good communication skills and ability to work in an international environment
* Eligible for PhD enrolment at KU Leuven
* Applicants must comply with the MSCA Doctoral Network eligibility criteria:
* Early-stage researcher rule: applicants must be in the first four years of their research career and must not have been awarded a PhD
* Mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or worked in Belgium for more than 12 months in the last 36 months
Offer
* A Ph.D. scholarship for up to four years (subject to positive intermediate evaluations).
* An inclusive research environment, working on the intersection between theory and implementation, in a very multidisciplinary research environment.
* A Ph.D. title from a highly ranked university, ranked #50 in Best Global Universities according to US News.
* Opportunity to build up an international network, participation in international conferences and collaborations.
* Participation to a motivating highly dynamic European project with many exchanges and opportunities for training.
* Competitive salary and funding according to MSCA projects
Interested?
Applications must be submitted via the NEWTON project website: https://newton-6g.eu/
You can apply for this job no later than April 30, 2026 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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