The SpecX MSCA Doctoral Network, coordinated by KU Leuven, offers 15 fully funded PhD positions in the field of wireless spectrum data research. Hosted by the renowned WaveCoRE research centre in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven, this network brings together leading universities, research institutes, and industry partners across Europe. The focus is on large-scale spectrum analytics, wireless communication, and intelligent IoT connectivity, addressing the increasing demand for efficient radio spectrum use in the era of 5G, 6G, and massive IoT deployments. Each PhD position is dedicated to a specific research topic, ranging from low-power IoT sensing, AI-empowered distributed sensing, RF-sensing for ambient IoT, drone-hosted mobile spectrum sensing, anomaly analytics in geospatial spectrum data, edge resource analytics, 6G radio traffic analytics, integrated communication and sensing, network analytics for massive IoT, public protection and disaster relief network management, non-cooperative transmitter positioning, geo-statistical spectrum analysis, spectrum-aware wireless systems for safety-critical applications, AI-embedded E-field exposure assessment, to spectrum management for policy and business stakeholders. The research themes span radio frequency engineering, signal processing, embedded systems, machine learning, and networked communication. Doctoral researchers will benefit from joint supervision, network-wide training schools, and research visits (secondments) to both academic and industrial partners. The program offers a comprehensive training package, including research-specific and transferable skills courses, opportunities for internships, and active participation in workshops, conferences, and network-wide events. The international, multidisciplinary environment is designed to foster high-impact research and professional development. Applicants must hold a master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or a closely related field, with exceptional grades and proficiency in English. A strong background in wireless communication is required, and international publication is considered a plus. Candidates must comply with the MSCA Early Stage Rule (within the first four years of research career, not yet awarded a doctoral degree) and the Mobility Rule (not having lived in the host country for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months). Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an international team are essential. The positions are funded for 36 months through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network, offering a competitive salary, additional family allowance (if applicable), and a dedicated budget for research and training costs. There is potential for additional funding depending on the host institution and national regulations. The program provides a unique opportunity to pursue a PhD at a leading European university within a collaborative, international network. To apply, candidates should visit the central application portal at https://specx-dn.eu/recruitment/application-form/ and select the position relevant to their interests and background. For further information, applicants may contact Mrs. Marisa Veloso Ferreira (marisa.velosoferreira@kuleuven.be) or Prof. Hazem Sallouha (hazem.sallouha@kuleuven.be). The application deadline is 30 January 2026. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a supportive and stimulating research environment for all doctoral candidates.

This PhD position at KU Leuven, in collaboration with imec, focuses on the development of AI-enhanced digital signal processing (DSP) for wireless communications. The research is supervised by Prof. Sofie Pollin (KU Leuven) and co-supervised by Prof. Claude Dessert (IMEC), with the vacancy hosted primarily at imec in Leuven, Belgium. Imec is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, working closely with KU Leuven to combine fundamental research with industrial partnerships. The WaveCoRE research centre in KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) specializes in wireless communication fundamentals and systems, with the Networked Systems group led by Prof. Pollin covering areas such as Cell-Free Massive MIMO, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), IoT, joint communication and sensing, machine learning-based signal processing, and SWIPT. The project aims to critically assess the state-of-the-art in machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for physical layer (PHY) DSP blocks in wireless systems. Traditionally, these blocks are designed using expert knowledge from communications theory, including filters, FFTs, modulation, coding, multiple-antenna operations, and hardware non-ideality compensation. The rise of AI has led to new approaches in PHY processing, with the potential to outperform traditional methods in certain scenarios, particularly for non-linear problems, hard-to-model behaviors, or cases with excessive complexity. The PhD researcher will review recent ML-based PHY solutions, identify the most promising DSP blocks for AI enhancement, and clarify which components cannot be improved by AI. The project involves refining criteria for AI relevance, selecting DSP blocks for new AI-based designs, developing and testing these solutions, and optimizing them for performance and complexity. The goal is to enable hybrid PHY implementations that combine traditional and AI-based blocks for optimal performance. The position offers a multidisciplinary research environment, access to imec’s world-class facilities, and collaboration with leading experts in wireless communication, signal processing, digital, analog, mm-wave design, and machine learning. The successful candidate will publish research in top-level journals and conferences, participate in international collaborations, and build an international network. The scholarship is for up to four years, subject to positive evaluations, and includes a competitive salary and funding. Applicants must have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, or a related field, with exceptional grades and proficiency in English. Expertise in wireless communications and signal processing is required, with knowledge of channel modelling and MIMO considered a plus. Proficiency in Matlab or Python and strong interpersonal skills for working in an international team are also expected. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, providing a respectful and socially safe environment for all researchers.

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 hosted primarily at imec in Leuven, Belgium, and supervised by Prof. Sofie Pollin (KU Leuven) and Prof. Claude Dessert (IMEC). Imec is a world-leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, working closely with KU Leuven to combine fundamental research with industrial partnerships. The WaveCoRE research centre in KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) specializes in wireless communication fundamentals and systems, with the Networked Systems group led by Prof. Pollin covering areas such as Cell-Free Massive MIMO, Non-Terrestrial Networks, IoT, joint communication and sensing, machine learning-based signal processing, and SWIPT. The project addresses the exponential growth of communication networks and the need for new frequency bands to meet increasing user demands. While mm-wave frequencies (FR2) offer bandwidth, challenges in technology readiness and propagation have led the industry to explore the FR3 band, which provides a balance between capacity and coverage but introduces unique research challenges. These include non-uniform channel behavior across the band, varying antenna integration strategies, differences in analog component performance, and the need for flexible systems that adapt to dynamic spectrum allocation and propagation conditions. The research will investigate multiple-antenna communication schemes, flexible architectures, and the use of AI tools to optimize base station deployment and operation. As a PhD student, you will gain a fundamental understanding of channel propagation and hardware constraints in the FR3 band, propose novel transceiver architectures and algorithms, and explore solutions for real-time reconfigurability and scenario-specific optimization. You will work within a multidisciplinary team at imec, collaborating with experts in wireless communication, signal processing, digital and analog design, mm-wave technology, and machine learning. The position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of wireless networks, publish in top journals and conferences, and build an international network. Applicants should have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, or a related field, with strong grades and English proficiency. Expertise in wireless communications and signal processing is required, and knowledge of channel modelling and hardware implementation is advantageous. Proficiency in Matlab or Python and strong interpersonal skills are expected. The scholarship covers up to four years, with competitive salary, access to world-class facilities, and funding for conference participation. KU Leuven and imec provide an inclusive, diverse, and supportive research environment. Applications must be submitted via the imec website, referencing code 2026-213. For further information, contact Prof. Sofie Pollin or Prof. Claude Dessert.

This PhD position at KU Leuven, in collaboration with imec, focuses on advancing wireless communications through distributed movable antennas. Hosted primarily at imec in Leuven, Belgium, the project is supervised by Prof. Sofie Pollin (KU Leuven) and co-supervised by Prof. Claude Dessert (IMEC). The research is embedded in the WaveCoRE research centre within KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering, which specializes in wireless communication fundamentals and systems. The Networked Systems group, led by Prof. Pollin, covers a wide range of topics including Cell-Free Massive MIMO, Non-Terrestrial Networks, IoT, joint communication and sensing, machine learning-based signal processing, and SWIPT. The project aims to push the boundaries of MIMO communications by exploring near-field, mobile, and massive communication scenarios. Traditional MIMO approaches assume static deployments and rely on approximations that limit channel diversity. This PhD will investigate how near-field communication can increase channel rank and throughput, model propagation in scenarios with sparse arrays and movable antennas, and design optimized transmit/receive algorithms. The research will address challenges and opportunities presented by mobility, such as actively moving antennas to improve links and leveraging high directivity and reduced hardware costs. Applications include robotics, drones, and vehicles, where mobility is both a challenge and an opportunity. The candidate will develop heuristics for real-time device communication and study implementation trade-offs between performance, power consumption, and robustness, considering technologies like MEMS. The work involves developing complex simulation environments in Matlab or Python, modeling hardware non-idealities, and considering technological aspects of movable antennas. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team at imec, collaborating with experts in digital, analog, and mm-wave design, wireless systems, signal processing, channel modeling, and machine learning. The position offers a four-year PhD scholarship (subject to positive evaluations), competitive salary, access to world-class facilities, and opportunities for international networking and conference participation. Applicants must have 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, channel modeling, and MIMO is desirable, as is proficiency in Matlab or Python. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an international team are required. KU Leuven is committed to diversity and inclusion, providing a supportive research environment. Applications must be submitted via the imec website, referencing code 2026-031. For further information, contact Prof. Sofie Pollin or Prof. Claude Dessert by email.

This PhD position, hosted at imec in Leuven, Belgium, is a collaboration between imec and KU Leuven under the supervision of Prof. Sofie Pollin (KU Leuven) and Prof. Claude Desset (IMEC). The research is situated within the WaveCoRE research centre in KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering, focusing on wireless communication fundamentals and systems. The project aims to address the growing energy consumption of wireless communication networks, especially as new frequency bands and advanced technologies are introduced for 6G and beyond. The main goal is to improve the energy efficiency of future wireless transceivers by developing predictive power consumption models and simulation environments. This will enable the exploration and optimization of various transceiver architectures and configurations before physical implementation, supporting both design and run-time control mechanisms for maximum energy efficiency. The research will build on IMEC’s decade-long expertise in power modeling and optimization, integrating models for digital processing, analog front-end, and power amplifiers. Key challenges include adapting models for new frequency bands (such as FR3, 7–24 GHz), improving the accuracy of exploratory power models, linking digital power estimates to hardware design, and investigating trade-offs in advanced algorithms and architectures. The project also considers the broader sustainability and life cycle analysis of transceiver hardware, including the energy impact of machine learning solutions. As a PhD student, you will join a multidisciplinary team of experts in wireless communication, signal processing, digital and analog design, and machine learning, with access to imec’s world-class facilities. You will have opportunities to publish in top journals and conferences, build an international network, and participate in collaborations. The position offers a four-year PhD scholarship (subject to positive evaluations), competitive salary, and funding for international activities. Applicants should have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, or a related field, with strong academic performance and English proficiency. Experience in wireless communications, signal processing, and digital or analog design is required, along with interpersonal skills for working in an international team. KU Leuven and imec provide an inclusive and diverse research environment. Applications must be submitted via the imec website, referencing code 2026-152. For more information, contact Prof. Sofie Pollin or Prof. Claude Desset by email.

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). Hosted primarily at imec in Leuven, Belgium, the project is supervised by Prof. Sofie Pollin (KU Leuven) and co-supervised by Prof. Claude Dessert (IMEC). The research is embedded in the WaveCoRE research centre within KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering, which specializes in wireless communication fundamentals and systems. The project addresses the challenges posed by the FR3 band, which offers a promising balance between capacity and coverage for future cellular networks but introduces complexities due to its wide frequency range, non-uniform channel propagation, and hardware constraints. The research will investigate multiple-antenna communication schemes, flexible transceiver architectures, and dynamic spectrum allocation strategies. It will also explore the use of advanced analog components, power amplifiers, and semiconductor technologies, leveraging imec’s expertise in nanoelectronics. The project aims to develop novel communication algorithms and architectures that optimize power-performance trade-offs and support real-time reconfigurability for diverse deployment scenarios. AI and machine learning tools may be used to guide the selection and optimization of architectures for specific sites. As a PhD student, you will engage in literature review, modelling and simulation, and experimental design, working in a multidisciplinary environment alongside experts in wireless communication, signal processing, digital and analog design, and machine learning. You will have access to world-class facilities, participate in international conferences, and collaborate with leading researchers. The position offers a competitive salary, funding for up to four years (subject to positive evaluations), and the opportunity to earn a PhD from a highly ranked university. Applicants should have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, telecommunication engineering, or a related field, with exceptional grades and proficiency in English. Experience in wireless communications, signal processing, channel modelling, and hardware implementation is desirable, as is proficiency with Matlab or Python. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an international team are required. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Applications must be submitted via the imec website, referencing code 2026-213. For further information, contact Prof. Sofie Pollin or Prof. Claude Dessert.

The Networked Systems team at KU Leuven, led by Prof. Sofie Pollin, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance the field of intelligent and adaptive wireless networks. The group is renowned for its multidisciplinary research, integrating communication, sensing, and computation to enable next-generation networked intelligent systems. Research activities span theoretical models, algorithm development, and experimental validation, with a strong emphasis on the interplay between signal processing, artificial intelligence, and hardware constraints. Key research themes include integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), AI-driven signal processing, distributed and edge learning, energy-efficient wireless systems, and dynamic resource management. The successful candidate will contribute to the theoretical foundations and algorithmic tools for learning, sensing, and communication in networked systems. Potential research topics include distributed learning and inference in wireless networks, signal processing for ISAC, AI-driven resource optimization, theoretical analysis of learning-enabled communication systems, and algorithm design for energy-efficient and adaptive networks. The position offers opportunities for collaboration with PhD students, postdocs, and international partners, as well as engagement in experimental validation and co-supervision of graduate students. The group is part of the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) at KU Leuven, a leading European institution in ICT and systems research, and is involved in major European and international projects. The postdoctoral position is offered on a yearly renewable contract, up to six years, with competitive funding. Applicants should have a PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field, a strong background in relevant technical areas, solid analytical and mathematical skills, experience with programming tools such as Python or MATLAB, a strong publication record, and excellent English communication skills. The start date is flexible, preferably between Spring and Autumn 2026. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. For more information, contact Prof. Sofie Pollin at sofie.pollin@kuleuven.be.