MSCA Doctoral Researcher in Spatial-Spectral Cell-Free Networks at Sub-THz / Väitöskirjatutkija

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The Electrical Engineering unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, invites applications for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Candidate position in integrated circuits and signal processing for large-array transceivers in next-generation communication systems. 

The position is part of the EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network ANCHOR and corresponds to Doctoral Candidate. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing energy-efficient, high-performance communication systems for next-generation wireless infrastructures. 

About the ANCHOR Doctoral Network 

ANCHOR is an EU-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network that brings together leading universities and industry partners to train 15 doctoral candidates in next-generation communication technologies. The network addresses key challenges in future wireless infrastructures — including spectrum harmonization, 3D coverage, mobility, latency, capacity, and energy efficiency — by advancing integrated solutions across radio, THz, and optical domains. Through interdisciplinary research, international secondments, and structured cross-sectoral training, ANCHOR equips its doctoral candidates with strong theoretical foundations and practical expertise to drive innovation in Europe’s future telecommunications landscape. More information about ANCHOR network can be found here.

Job Description 

The research focuses on investigating the transmission and propagation characteristics of the radio frequency (RF) resource at high carrier frequency, proposing and evaluating the novel transceiving and scheduling schemes of the high-frequency RF under the future cell-free network architecture.  

The Doctoral Candidate will: 

• Establish spatial-spectral transmission and channel models for various types of antennas at high carrier frequency (e.g., phased arrays and leaky-wave antennas)  
• Develop the signal transceiving, beamforming, channel estimation, and scheduling schemes for agile access and a user-centric cell-free network at high carrier frequency  
• Integrating energy-efficiency and hardware constraints in communications design  
• Perform system-level modelling and simulations (e.g., MATLAB or similar tools)  
• Disseminate research results through leading international journals and conferences  
• Develop research collaboration with DCs in the Tampere University, ANCHOR network  

The position includes a secondment of 12 months at University College London (UCL) to develop international research collaboration and extend network. 

In addition to research duties, the candidate will complete all doctoral degree requirements (lectures credits and publication) at Tampere University, contribute to ANCHOR project deliverables, participate in network-wide training events, and actively disseminate results through scientific and professional channels. High-quality scientific publishing is expected throughout the project. 

Requirements 

This position follows the rules of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks. 

To be eligible: 

• The applicant must not hold a PhD degree at the time of recruitment. 
• The applicant must hold a relevant master’s degree by the time the employment begins (start date: 01.08.2026, or as soon as possible thereafter, but no later than 31.12.2026). 
• The applicant may be of any nationality. 
• The applicant must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Finland for more than 12 cumulative months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays (e.g., holidays), and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not considered. 

In addition, the selected candidate must apply for and be granted the right to pursue doctoral studies at Tampere University. A doctoral candidate must enroll as a doctoral student no later than six months after the start of the contract. Please visit the admissions webpage for more information on the requirements for the same. Formal English language requirements must be fulfilled by the time of enrollment in the doctoral program (not necessarily at the time of applying). Strong written and spoken English skills are essential for success in this position.  

Desired Skills and Profile 

We are seeking a highly motivated and research-oriented candidate with a strong interest in signal processing and future communication systems, and a clear ambition to pursue a doctoral degree. The applicant should hold an M.Sc. (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a closely related discipline.

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, open to acquiring new skills, and able to work rigorously and independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative, international research environment. Interest in an academic or industrial research career is highly valued. Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered advantageous: 

• Knowledge of wireless communications, channel modelling, signal processing, and array processing is essential  
• Strong skills in numerical modelling and simulation software like Matlab/Python are essential 
• Knowledge of detection & estimation, machine learning, and optimization is desired  
• Knowledge of communication hardware, e.g., fundamentals of antenna, analog/digital circuit design concepts, is beneficial. 
• Strong oral and written English skills and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts for publications and presentations are essential 

We offer 

The doctoral candidate will be guided by a distinguished and internationally recognized supervisory team, ensuring ambitious, high-quality doctoral training and close mentorship. DC2.3 will be co-supervised by Assoc. Prof. Bo Tan, Asst. Prof. Vishnu Unnikrishnan, Prof. Elena Simona Lohan, and Prof. Mikko Valkama, whose complementary expertise spans theoretical innovation and practical impact. Secondments with Prof. Christos Masouros and Bo Tan at UCL provide direct exposure to world leading research environments, forming a strong international platform for scientific excellence and career development. 

The position is based at Tampere University’s Hervanta campus, a major Nordic technology hub offering modern laboratories, advanced research infrastructure, and a collaborative academic community. Comprehensive support services and staff benefits — including occupational health care, flexible working arrangements, sports facilities, and campus restaurants — create excellent conditions for focused research. More information is available at Working at Tampere Universities.   

We offer a fully funded 36-month fixed-term doctoral position within the MSCA framework. The employment begins on 01.08.2026, or as soon as possible thereafter (no later than 31.12.2026). Salary is determined in accordance with MSCA Doctoral Candidate regulations and the applicable country correction coefficient. The estimated gross monthly salary is approximately €3,950 for a candidate without a family allowance and approximately €4,450 for a candidate with a family (e.g., married, in a recognized relationship, or with dependent children). The position also includes an annual holiday bonus, and salary increments under the Finnish collective labor agreement.  

Tampere, located between two large lakes, is Finland’s second-largest urban area and a leading Nordic technology hub. The city combines a vibrant innovation ecosystem — particularly strong in ICT and industry — with immediate access to nature and a high quality of life. For more information about Tampere, please visit VisitTampere, Welcome to Tampere and International House Tampere. Finland consistently ranks among the world’s safest and most stable societies and offers a comprehensive public healthcare and social security system, making it an attractive and secure destination for international researchers and their families. For more information about living and working in Finland, please visit InfoFinland and This is Finland.  

How to Apply 

Applications must be submitted through Tampere University’s online recruitment system (application link below). The deadline for applications is 7 April, 2026 at 23:59 (EEST, UTC+2 Finnish time). 

All application documents must be submitted in English and uploaded in PDF format. 

Please include the following required documents: 

• Cover letter outlining your motivation for applying, your research interests, and how your background aligns with the position 
• Curriculum vitae (CV) detailing your educational background, relevant technical skills, research experience, publications (if any), and other scientific achievements. Please include contact details for at least two referees 
• Copies of bachelor’s and master’s degree certificates (if available at the time of application period) 
• Official transcripts of records for bachelor’s and master’s degrees

You may also include additional supporting documents, if relevant (e.g., proof of English proficiency, recommendation letters). 

For further information about the position, 

please contact Prof. Bo Tan or Prof. Mikko Valkama 

(firstname.lastname@tuni.fi). 

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Tampereen yliopisto ja Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu muodostavat yhdessä Suomen toiseksi suurimman monitieteisen, innostavan ja vaikuttavan tutkimus- ja oppimisyhteisön. Korkeakouluyhteisömme osaamiskärjet ovat tekniikka, terveys ja yhteiskunta. Lue lisää: www.tuni.fi

Haemme määräaikaista MSCA väitöskirjatutkijaa, jonka työsuhde kestää 36 kuukautta Tampereen yliopistossa. Tehtävä Tampereen yliopistolla sijoittuu Sähkötekniikan yksikköön, Informaatioteknologian ja viestinnän tiedekuntaan.  

Lue tarkemmat tiedot tehtävästä ja hakuohjeet englanninkielisestä osiosta. Hakuaika tehtävään päättyy 31.03.2026 klo 23.59. 

Osaamisalue: Tutkimus, kehitys & tuotekehitys