Doctoral scholarship holder low-latency wireless embedded systems

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The Department of Computer Science in the Faculty of Science is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of low-latency wireless embedded systems.

The research of this PhD position will be conducted within the IDLab-UAntwerp research group. The successful candidate will join a diverse and international team of about 100 members working on fundamental and applied research across the broad spectrum of digital communication networks and data-driven inference. IDLab-UAntwerp is embedded within both imec and the University of Antwerp. imec was founded in 1984 and is today the world’s largest independent research and innovation centre for nanoelectronics and digital technology.

The PhD project focuses on the design of next-generation wireless communication systems for real-time applications such as robotics, industrial automation, drone swarms, and smart environments. A fundamental challenge in these systems is enabling large numbers of devices to coordinate and exchange information within strict timing constraints. Existing wireless networks in this context often struggle to simultaneously provide both low latency and scalability. This project investigates novel communication mechanisms and experimental platforms for ultra-low-latency, highly scalable cyber-physical systems, combining embedded systems, digital communications, wireless networking and software development through hands-on experimentation. The research offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge technologies for future cyber-physical systems and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Position

• You will actively work on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis in the field of wireless and embedded communication systems.
  • You will conduct high-quality fundamental research under the supervision of Prof. Jonathan Oostvogels.
  • You will report progress to your supervisor and supervisory committees.
  • You will publish your research in leading international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.
• You will make supporting scientific contributions to existing research projects complementary to your own doctoral research, in collaboration with other researchers.
• You will (learn to) compete for internal or external research funding.
• You will assist in teaching lab sessions of relevant courses at bachelor or master level (circa 10% of your time).

Profile

• You hold a master’s degree in computer science, informatics, electrical engineering,  telecommunications or a closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
• You can provide evidence of excellent study results.
• You have strong programming skills in C and at least one high-level language (e.g. Python).
• You have a solid understanding of wireless network stacks and/or experience with embedded programming on modern microcontrollers (e.g. ARM Cortex M).
• Knowledge of software-defined radios, wireless IoT protocols, digital signal processing, and/or real-time software systems is a plus.
• You have strong communication skills in English, both oral and written.
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You value quality, integrity, creativity, cooperation, critical thinking and scientific curiosity.

What we offer

• We offer a fully funded doctoral scholarship for an initial period of one year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed, up to a maximum duration of four years total.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education. As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, an Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• Preferred start date: as soon as possible. The exact starting date will be determined together with the selected candidate, taking into account possible visa procedures and other practical
• Most of your work will take place in The Beacon, within walking distance of the historic city centre of Antwerp and the university’s City Campus.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including 22 October 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter in which you briefly explain your interest in the position and any particular technical or scientific interests as they relate to the vacancy
  • your academic CV
  • a transcript of your study results
  • a writing sample (at least two pages of academic English text that is authentically yours, e.g. an excerpt from your master’s thesis)
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to [email protected]. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Jonathan Oostvogels ([email protected]).

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.