Job description

PhD position on software-based networks for 6G
Research group
IDLab is a research group of Ghent University, as well as a core research group of imec. IDLab performs fundamental and applied research on data science and internet technology and counts over 300 researchers. IDLab is also part of imec, the world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. The combination of our widely acclaimed leadership in microchip technology and profound software and ICT expertise is what makes us unique.
The IDLab NetModel team where this vacancy is offered consists of engineers and scientists who are building models for the future Internet. NetModel investigates network control mechanisms, network optimization and performance-related aspects of networks. The group has a strong track record in the domains of optical networks, network performance optimization, and sofware-defined networking.
Context
6G technology will bring together a lot of exciting novel technologies to enable a future consisting of connected auto-guided vehicles, AR/VR devices, smart clothing, cooperative robots in industry, or drones delivering packages are your doorstep. The key components for this are not only the increase of wireless spectrum, but also the availability of a wide heterogeneity of networks, network enhancing technologies such as Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces, or the ability to deploy any network function – for example an IDS for security purposes – on demand on a nearby edge computing device.
To enable ultra-reliable low-latency communications in future hybrid wired and wireless networks, the traditional best-effort paradigm of packet switching on fixed-purpose hardware is challenged. Novel services require the network and its components to be very flexible on one hand, enabling deployment of functions in the wink of an eye, while at the same time needing hard guarantees on latency, throughput, and jitter to support critical applications such as AR/VR, or time-critical services such as advanced driver assistance (ADAS).
The research group is involved in several national and European research projects focusing on 6G and future networks and their ability to provide novel services on demand at high performance and with strong guarantees.
To face the different research challenges in this domain, we are looking for a researcher who is able to combine an experimental mindset with software skills to deep dive into the nitty gritty parts of network components, protocols and cloud infrastructure.
Job description

• Under the supervision of professors in the team, you will prepare a PhD dissertation over a duration of about 4 years.
• You design novel network algorithms, protocols and/or network components.
•  You publish and present results both at international conferences and in scientific journals.
•  You implement proof of concepts of designed mechanisms and algorithms in simulation or small-scale real-world networks
•  You validate your research through adequate quantitative measurements in a statistically meaningful manner
•  You tightly collaborate with IDLab colleagues within the NetModel team, as well as in other teams where appropriate.
•  You will participate in the framework of national and European funded research projects and collaborate with research partners from industry.
•  You will assist the research group with limited educational tasks.
  

Job profile

Job requirements

• Holder of a Master degree in Engineering, preferably Computer Science or Electrical Engineering, or Master in Informatics.
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong interest in network modelling, algorithms, protocols and associated experimentation.
• Good programming skills and ability to adapt to particular language or environment (C/C++, Python, Java, …)
• Comfortable with cloud technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, VMs, etc.) or quickly able to learn these
• Knowledge or interest in system-level programming (Linux) is a plus.
• You like to deep-dive into research problems
• You work independently, have a strong feeling of responsibility and can commit to timing and milestones set forward by different research projects.
• You are a team player and have strong communication skills.
• A good knowledge of English (oral and written) is a must. Any knowledge of Dutch (oral) is a plus.
• This PhD position is available immediately and is open until the vacancy is filled. The position is not open for post-docs.

How to apply

Apply by sending an email to prof. Wouter Tavernier, Didier Colle. Your application should include:

• your resume (curriculum vitae)
• motivation letter (indicating both your research background/interest as well as any specific research skills)
• a copy of your diploma and diploma supplement (with overview of all courses followed)
  

Applications without resume, letter or transcripts will not be considered.
More information
Wouter Tavernier – wouter.tavernier@ugent.be
Didier Colle – didier.colle@ugent.be