6G networks won't just connect — they will see. Join us as a PhD student to build radio imaging systems capable of mm-level sensing, from healthcare to infrastructure monitoring.
Job description
Next-generation cellular networks – including 6G and future Wi-Fi systems – will not only communicate but also sense their surroundings in a radar-like manner, an emerging paradigm known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Existing ISAC systems can perform target detection and parameter estimation, such as distance and moving velocity, and even target tracking and recognition.
However, by fully leveraging the ubiquity and spectral agility of communication networks, a finer-grained representation of the environment could be obtained through radio imaging, similar to spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. This would enable applications with significant social and environmental impact in healthcare, remote structural monitoring of buildings or bridges, landslide and flood prevention, among others.
This PhD project focuses on designing radio imaging algorithms exploiting the multiple disjoint frequency bands available in existing and future communication networks, which span from below GHz to millimeter-wave bands. Such frequency diversity will be leveraged as a means to obtain highly informative images of targets of interest, possibly combining physics and signal processing algorithms with deep learning methods to overcome the difficulty of exactly modeling multiband scattering phenomena.
The developed algorithms and methods will be targeted for applications with high societal impact, such as cm- and mm-level human motion sensing and remote environmental monitoring.
From a methodological perspective, the above research challenges will be tackled through a mix of theory, algorithm design, and analysis of experimental data, partly collected by the applicant and partly acquired through external collaborations with top-level research partners in Europe.
Responsibilities
- Conduct in-depth research on multiband integrated imaging and communications systems, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
- Design multiband radio imaging algorithms for communications systems, based on the integration of standard signal processing and deep learning.
- Analyze radio signal scattering from extended targets across wide frequency ranges.
- Design methods to predict the reflectivity of targets of interest in non-observed regions of space and spectrum.
- Design performance metrics to evaluate joint imaging and communication systems across multiple bands.
- Verify theoretical results and test algorithms on experimental data.
- Contribute to the scientific community's knowledge through high-quality publications.
- Collaborate with partner academic institutions and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
- Prepare and defend the Ph.D. thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.
The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of the Department of Microelectronics, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. Leveraging electromagnetics as a core foundation, MS3’s work spans applications in safety, environmental monitoring, automotive radar, and healthcare technologies. As part of MS3, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including highly regarded Professors in microwave and radar technology. MS3 Research Facilities include Europe-leading laboratories with sophisticated radar setups like the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments. This robust infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.
Beyond technical training, MS3 encourages a collaborative research environment, promoting innovation in radar applications while fostering development through access to conferences and professional networking opportunities.
Job requirements
- MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong background in signal processing and wireless systems (telecom, radar)
- Knowledge of electromagnetics is highly appreciated.
- Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
- Interest in experimental research is an advantage.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Dr Alexander Yarovoy, Chairman of MS3, via [email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 July 2026 upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter in which you describe your personal motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 1 page)
- Abstract of your MSc thesis.
- Copies of two journal/conference publications (if applicable).
You can address your application to Prof. Dr Alexander Yarovoy, Chairman of MS3.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
