Postdoc in wireless MIMO communications for 6G

Job description

Wireless communication technology has evolved over five generations, but the demand for higher efficiency, availability, and reliability is never-ending. The physical layer of 5G and 6G networks revolves around the multi-antenna MIMO technology. 5G uses 64 antennas in each base station and 4 antennas in devices, which might grow by 5-10 times in 6G. These antennas can be used for beamforming, spatial multiplexing, and integrated communication and sensing (ISAC).

In this postdoc project, you will contribute to cutting-edge research on 6G MIMO technology and develop new communication theory, concepts, and algorithms. The focus might be on Gigantic MIMO, cell-free networks, near-field communications, or ISAC for mid-band or higher frequencies. We believe a successful postdoc period builds on your current skills but expands them by targeting new research challenges and using new methods.

The research will be focused on the physical and media access control layers. Methods from MIMO communication theory, array signal processing, optimization, and machine learning will likely play a vital role. The research will mainly be theoretical, but KTH has testbeds for potential experiments. However, we are not looking for microwave doctors because no antennas or hardware will be built.

In this project, you will join the world-leading research group of Prof. Emil Björnson (IEEE Fellow, Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher) and work at the Division of Communication Systems at the EECS school. The research is funded by external projects, so there will be good opportunities to interact with the telecom industry.

You can read the paper “Enabling 6G Performance in the Upper Mid-Band by Transitioning From Massive to Gigantic MIMO”, 10.1109/OJCOMS.2025.3576931, to learn more about the research we plan to conduct within this project.

Qualifications

You need to satisfy the minimum requirements below and will be evaluated based on the listed preferred qualifications.

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Research proficiency, proved by publishing at least three articles in scientific journals that belong to the top tier in your area.
• Good knowledge of the English language, both orally and in writing, as required in the daily work. 

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Applicants who have recently completed their dissertation or are expected to complete their dissertation before the employment decision is made.
• We seek a motivated researcher with good collaboration skills who can work independently, contribute to the research group with new knowledge and co-supervision, and be a role model for doctoral students. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills are a requirement.
• Research experience in MIMO communications, using methods from communication theory, machine learning, signal processing, and/or optimization. This should preferably be documented by publishing at least three articles on the topic in top-tier scientific journals (IEEE transactions or equivalent).
• For KTH and the research group, awareness of diversity, gender equality, and equal treatment issues are important.   

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information to trade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH's recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

To be considered, the application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Copy of diplomas and grades from your previous university studies. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• A brief account of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests within the scope of the research project, and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. Maximally two pages long.
• A separate document with the headline “Five most meritorious scientific articles”, where you highlight five of your articles. For each article, you must briefly explain in what way your article proves your scientific skills and what you contributed to the article. At least three of the articles must be published in scientific journals belonging to the top tier of your field (see the list of requirements above).

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, three years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

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It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.