Doctoral student in adaptive antenna systems for 6G wireless networks Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

The Department of Electrical Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology is offering a fully funded doctoral student position in the Antenna Systems group, within the Division of Communications, Antennas and Optical Networks. The division is renowned for its research in wireless and optical technologies for communication and sensing, including radar, positioning, antenna systems, signal processing, communication theory, optical networks, security, machine learning, and future-generation wireless systems. The Antenna Systems group specializes in antenna technologies for wireless communication and sensor systems, with applications spanning telecommunications, radar, transport, astronomy, space sciences, and other emerging technology areas. The group’s research covers a wide frequency range and includes electronics-integrated antenna technologies, holistic antenna-system design, and advanced over-the-air test methods for future wireless systems. Chalmers provides access to state-of-the-art antenna measurement infrastructure, supporting research on passive and active antenna systems for 5G, 6G, and beyond.

This doctoral project is part of the SSF-funded Sweden–Taiwan collaborative research project 'Antenna Systems for 6G Wireless Networks.' The research focuses on adaptive, interference-resilient antenna systems for 6G operation in the centimetre-wave frequency range (6–24 GHz, FR3). The central scientific challenge is to enable efficient spectrum sharing at the physical layer, as many candidate frequency bands for 6G are already occupied by satellite communications, radar, radio astronomy, and other services. The project aims to develop antenna systems that actively control electromagnetic energy radiation in both space and frequency, moving beyond static RF filtering and higher-layer coordination. The doctoral student will contribute to the development of adaptive, interference-resilient antenna designs for energy-efficient and scalable spectrum sharing, combining antenna hardware design, hybrid analogue–digital beamforming, and over-the-air experimental validation. The research will be conducted in close collaboration with Swedish and Taiwanese academic partners and industrial stakeholders involved in wireless infrastructure, RF systems, and non-terrestrial networks.

The position is based at Chalmers in Gothenburg, Sweden, within the Antenna Systems group. Professor Marianna Ivashina will serve as the main supervisor. The project will also involve collaboration with researchers in active electronics design and communication systems. The doctoral student’s responsibilities include developing and analyzing adaptive antenna arrays for shared-spectrum 6G operation, studying hybrid analogue–digital beamforming methods for interference suppression and integrated communication and sensing, investigating hardware constraints such as mutual coupling, finite phase resolution, calibration errors, and RF impairments, and contributing to joint spatial–spectral optimization of antenna systems. Additional duties include system-level proof-of-concept development, over-the-air validation, international collaboration, research visits, joint workshops, and travel to project partners in Taiwan. The student will present results at international conferences, publish in leading scientific journals, take advanced and doctoral-level courses, and contribute to teaching or other departmental duties (up to 20% of working time).

The position is fully funded from the start, with a salary of 35,725 SEK per month (from May 1, 2026). The doctoral programme corresponds to four years of full-time research studies, with possible extension up to five years including departmental duties. Physical presence at Chalmers is required throughout the study period, and a valid residence permit must be in place by the start date where applicable. Chalmers offers a dynamic, international research environment with strong links to both academia and industry, and actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. Swedish language courses are available for non-native speakers.

Applicants must have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics/Engineering Physics, or a closely related field, completed by the start date. Required skills include antenna theory, antenna engineering, electromagnetic field theory, microwave electronics, RF systems, mathematical modelling, numerical analysis, strong English communication skills, analytical ability, motivation for independent research, and experience with programming or technical computing (e.g., MATLAB, Python). Meritorious experience includes simulation tools (CST, HFSS, ADS), RF and antenna measurements, hardware prototyping, software-defined radio, RFSoC platforms, and signal processing. A master’s thesis in antennas, microwave engineering, RF systems, wireless communication, or signal processing for antenna systems is a strong advantage. Personal qualities such as curiosity, accuracy, creativity, independence, and collaboration are valued.

To apply, submit your application via the online form, including your CV, personal letter, degree certificates and transcripts, thesis and other scientific work as PDF files (max 40 MB each). Applications must be written in English. Incomplete applications or those sent by email will not be considered. The application deadline is 1 September 2026. For questions, contact Professor Marianna Ivashina at [email protected].