This PhD position at KU Leuven, in collaboration with imec, focuses on developing innovative transceiver architectures for cellular communications in the FR3 band (7–24 GHz). The research is supervised by Prof. Sofie Pollin (KU Leuven) and Prof. Claude Dessert (IMEC), and is primarily hosted at imec in Leuven, Belgium. Imec is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, offering a multidisciplinary environment and access to cutting-edge facilities.

The WaveCoRE research centre in KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) specializes in wireless communication fundamentals and systems. The Networked Systems group, led by Prof. Pollin, covers advanced topics such as Cell-Free Massive MIMO, Non-Terrestrial Networks, IoT, joint communication and sensing, machine learning-based signal processing, and SWIPT. This position is ideal for candidates interested in the intersection of theory, modelling, simulation, and experimental design in wireless communications.

With the exponential growth of communication networks and the advent of 4G, 5G, and soon 6G, new frequency bands have become essential to meet increasing data demands. The FR3 band offers a promising balance between capacity and coverage but presents unique challenges, including non-uniform channel behavior, antenna integration, analog component performance, and fragmented sub-bands requiring flexible, reconfigurable systems. Research will address multiple-antenna schemes, power amplifiers, semiconductor technologies, and dynamic spectrum allocation. AI and machine learning tools will be used to optimize architectures and deployment strategies for diverse scenarios.

As a PhD student, you will investigate channel propagation and hardware constraints across the FR3 band, propose novel transceiver architectures and communication algorithms, and develop solutions for real-time reconfigurability and scenario-specific optimization. You will collaborate with experts in wireless communication, signal processing, digital and analog design, and machine learning, and contribute to top-level journals and conferences.

The position offers a four-year PhD scholarship (subject to positive evaluations), competitive salary, funding for international conferences, and the opportunity to build a global network. KU Leuven is ranked #50 in Best Global Universities and provides an inclusive, diverse, and supportive research environment. Applicants must hold a master’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, or a related field, with exceptional grades and English proficiency. Experience in wireless communications, signal processing, Matlab or Python, and strong interpersonal skills are required.

Applications must be submitted via the imec website, referencing code 2026-213. For further information, contact Prof. Sofie Pollin ([email protected]) or Prof. Claude Dessert ([email protected]). KU Leuven is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, ensuring a respectful and socially safe environment for all researchers.