Postdoc on Fundamentals of Communication over Free-Space Optical Channels

Job description

Are you fascinated by the idea of high-speed space Internet, envisioned to be powered by more than 50000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites expected to be launched within 10 years? Join us on this research project in collaboration with multiple tech companies to develop and demonstrate the next generation of free-space optical (FSO) communication systems for satellite communications.

Job Description

Satellite-based links are of key importance to provide ever-increasing data rates. Free-space optics is a technology that can help satisfy this demand thanks to the vast amounts of bandwidth available in the THz-regime. The Eindhoven University of Technology recognizes the crucial paradigm shift, from intensity-modulated to coherent transmission, necessary in next generation FSO communication systems to provide high throughputs. To address this challenge, we are excited to announce a postdoc position in the field of Fundamentals of FSO communications.

This position is part of a collaborative research project between leading technology companies (TNO, Aircision, Hyperion Technologies, ADVA Network Security, Luxquanta, and Cubiq Technologies) and two research groups at TU/e: the Signal Processing Systems (SPS) and the Electronic Systems (ES) group. The research in this project will be performed between these companies and research groups. You will coordinate a team that consists of 2 EngDs and 2 PhDs. The position is for one year with the possibility of a two year extension (3 years in total).

The successful candidate will work on channel modeling and capacity estimation for coherent FSO communications. More specifically, the main goal is to derive a family of so-called channel laws in analytical form, i.e., a statistical characterisation of the input-output channel relationship in different transmission scenarios. These channel laws fully define a channel from an information-theoretic point of view, and thus, will enable the analysis of the FSO transmission bounds and the study of the optimal communication schemes.

Job requirements

• Motivated researcher, with a PhD in in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Ability to conduct high quality independent academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Strong background in signal processing, communication theory, information theory, and coding theory.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Python, or C/C++.
• A team player who enjoys coaching and teaching students.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule, work in a collaborative interdisciplinary dynamic team, and an interest in collaborating with industry.
• Excellent (written and verbal) proficiency in English, good communication and leadership skills.

Conditions of employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for (at least) 1 year.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €3,877 max. €5,090).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.

A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

The Information and Communication Theory Lab (ICT Lab) at TU/e is a globally recognized research group focusing on information and communication theory, and its applications. At the ICT Lab, we study information processing in a broad sense. We focus on finding fundamental limits but also on the data processing techniques (often codes and digital signal processing algorithms) and architectures that aim at approaching these limits. Main areas of interest are source coding, channel coding, multi-user information theory, security, and machine learning. We typically use information-theoretical frameworks to model the scenarios under investigation. This allows us to find out what the optimal trade-offs are. The scenarios that we study often result from close interaction with industry.

Curious to hear more about research at the ICT Lab? Please view this video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring managers dr. Alex Alvarado, Associate Professor (SPS Group) at a.alvarado[at]tue.nl or dr. Alexios Balatsoukas-Stimming (ES Group) at a.k.balatsoukas.stimming[at]tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. For More information about the research groups in this project please visit

https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/  
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/signal-processing-systems/ict-lab
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/electronic-systems/signal-processing-for-communications-lab

For any other informal inquires, please contact the secretary of the ICT Lab, Mrs. Emeral Clump-Busser at ictlab[at]tue.nl

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include:

• A cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• A curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• Copies of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.
• A copy of the candidate’s PhD Thesis

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.