6G networks won't just connect — they will see. Join us as a PhD student to build radio imaging systems capable of mm-level sensing, from healthcare to infrastructure monitoring.
Next-generation cellular networks – including 6G and future Wi‑Fi systems – will not only communicate but also sense their surroundings in a radar‑like manner, an emerging paradigm known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Existing ISAC systems can perform target detection and parameter estimation, such as distance and moving velocity, and even target tracking and recognition.
However, by fully leveraging the ubiquity and spectral agility of communication networks, a finer‑grained representation of the environment could be obtained through radio imaging, similar to spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. This would enable applications with significant social and environmental impact in healthcare, remote structural monitoring of buildings or bridges, landslide and flood prevention, among others.
This PhD project focuses on designing radio imaging algorithms exploiting the multiple disjoint frequency bands available in existing and future communication networks, which span from below GHz to millimeter‑wave bands. Such frequency diversity will be leveraged as a means to obtain highly informative images of targets of interest, possibly combining physics and signal processing algorithms with deep learning methods to overcome the difficulty of exactly modeling multiband scattering phenomena.
The developed algorithms and methods will be targeted for applications with high societal impact, such as cm‑and mm‑level human motion sensing and remote environmental monitoring.
From a methodological perspective, the research challenges will be tackled through a mix of theory, algorithm design, and analysis of experimental data, partly collected by the applicant and partly acquired through external collaborations with top‑level research partners in Europe.
Responsibilities- Conduct in-depth research on multiband integrated imaging and communications systems, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
- Design multiband radio imaging algorithms for communications systems, based on the integration of standard signal processing and deep learning.
- Analyze radio signal scattering from extended targets across wide frequency ranges.
- Design methods to predict the reflectivity of targets of interest in non‑observed regions of space and spectrum.
- Design performance metrics to evaluate joint imaging and communication systems across multiple bands.
- Verify theoretical results and test algorithms on experimental data.
- Contribute to the scientific community's knowledge through high‑quality publications.
- Collaborate with partner academic institutions and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
- Prepare and defend the Ph.D. Thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.
- MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in signal processing and wireless systems (telecom, radar)
- Knowledge of electromagnetics is highly appreciated.
- Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
- Interest in experimental research is an advantage.
- Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.
The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of the Department of Microelectronics, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. The group has state‑of‑the‑art laboratories with sophisticated radar setups, enabling students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real‑world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.
Conditions of employmentDoctoral candidates will be offered a 4‑year period of employment, structured as two employment contracts: an initial 1.5‑year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years, assuming performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment and a doctoral education programme aimed at developing transferable, discipline‑related, and research skills.
Relocation supportTU Delft offers relocation assistance through its Coming to Delft service. The service provides information, events, and a Dual Career Programme to support accompanying partners in the Netherlands.
ContactProf. Dr Alexander Yarovoy, Chairman of MS3
a.yarovoy@tudelft.nl
€3059 - €3881 monthly