Doctoral Researcher, SmartSpaces Project, Centre for Wireless Communications

Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, Centre for Wireless Communications

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 4000 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based education to build a more sustainable, smarter, and more humane world. The University of Oulu community has about 19,000 people in total. Our northern scientific community operates globally and creates conditions for the emergence of innovations. The University of Oulu is ranked in the top 3% of the world’s universities. All our research, education, and community activities are guided by our university’s values and ethical principles.

We are now looking for a Doctoral Researcher to join the Centre for Wireless Communications unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, University of Oulu. The Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC) counts about 250 experts working in four research groups. The research topics are selected to create scientific knowledge and engineering solutions with high impact, to train professionals and to enable resilient, sustainable, and secure connectivity and networks. The vision is to stay among world leading academic communities, and conduct research on wireless communications and technologies for future 6G networks.

About the job

The doctoral researcher will contribute to the SmartSpaces project, funded by the Research Council of Finland in collaboration with research partners at Rice University, USA. The research will focus on enabling wireless systems to sense and interpret their surroundings and provide secure, efficient spatial awareness services. Particular emphasis will be placed on mathematical modelling, optimization, and algorithm development for integrated sensing and communication. Topics of interest include:

• RF radar signal processing
• Backscattering
• Resource allocation and scheduling.
• Query-driven and task-oriented sensing.
• Machine learning for adaptive sensing and network operation.
• Combining RF and acoustic sensing to improve spatial awareness.
• Secure and trustworthy sensing, including authentication and resilience against eavesdropping, spoofing, and jamming.
• Efficient representations of sensed environments, including compact digital twins and the management of sensing information.

The main duties of a doctoral researcher are related to undertaking original academic research in several of the above topics towards the award of a joint doctoral degree, accompanied by the publication of results in high-impact journals and conference venues, and thorough, transparent, and insightful collaboration with the whole research team.

Who are you?

You are required to have:

• A master’s or equivalent degree in Electrical and Communications Engineering, Computer Sciences, or related fields, with top grades.
• Skills and motivation for doctoral studies.
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills in English.

Additionally, to succeed and enjoy the position, you are expected to have:

• A strong background in Mathematics
• Excellent programming skills
• Aptitude for working both independently and as part of a team
• Aptitude for developing strong productive relationships
• At least one of the following prerequisite skills: wireless communications/networking, convex optimization, signal processing, machine learning, RF radars

You must apply for the right to study for a doctoral degree at the beginning of your employment in accordance with the requirements of the University of Oulu Graduate School (UniOGS).

What we offer

The support of an experienced and enthusiastic team with whom you can share your expertise and grow as an expert. Wellness benefit ePassi covering sport, culture, and well-being. Read more about other staff benefits. Development and career options of the big organization. Work that matters and a workplace that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. Read more about working with us. Our Buddy Programme and Spouse Network support you and your close ones in settling into Oulu. We have an HR Excellence in Research -quality label, which is a recognition awarded by the European Commission for the development of researchers’ working conditions and careers. Finland is one of the most livable countries in the world, with a high quality of life, safety, an excellent education system, and a competitive economy. Read more about living in Oulu.

Salary

The position is fixed-term for 3 years, starting as soon as possible. The salary will be based on the levels 2-4 of the demand level chart for teaching and research staff of Finnish universities. In addition, a salary component based on personal work performance will be paid (a maximum of 50 % of the job-specific component). The starting gross salary will be approximately 2800-2900 € per month (before taxes). A trial period of 6 months is applied to the position.

How to apply?

Interested? If yes, please apply by October 31, 2026 (23:59 Finnish local time) through our recruitment system. The application should be written in English and include the following: CV, List of publications (if applicable), Motivation letter (1-page description of the motivation and suitability for the position, and more importantly, the specific research interests and how would you tentatively address them). During the recruitment process, be prepared to provide the details of 1-2 persons available for recommendation as well as the copies Master’s or equivalent Diploma and transcript of records. The application period has been extended to October 31. The initial application deadline was on October 13.

Contact Information

If you have any further questions, please contact Associate Professor Onel Alcaraz López (Onel.AlcarazLopez@oulu.fi).