PhD in Emergent Communication Protocols for Beyond 5G/6G Systems University of Oulu in Finland

University of Oulu’s Centre for Wireless Communications (CWC), within the Faculty of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher for the GENOME MSCA Doctoral Network.

This PhD opportunity focuses on emergent communication protocols for beyond 5G/6G systems, with research themes including learning-based protocol design, emergent semantic communication, multi-agent systems, and AI-native network architectures. The project is part of GENOME (GENerative and connected intelligence for 6G Open ManagemEnt), which develops AI-native solutions for autonomous network management across O-RAN, edge, and cloud domains. The work is carried out in the Intelligent Connectivity and Networks (ICON) group, which combines machine learning, optimization, control, and economics for next-generation wireless systems.

The doctoral researcher will develop cooperative multi-agent communication frameworks, design new signaling mechanisms and scalable learning strategies, and validate methods in representative beyond 5G/6G use cases. The role is research-intensive and interdisciplinary, with collaboration across partners in the doctoral network.

Eligibility highlights: a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a closely related field; strong foundations in probability, statistics, and linear algebra; strong English communication skills; and motivation for doctoral research. Programming experience in Python and frameworks such as PyTorch or TensorFlow is an advantage. MSCA mobility rules apply: applicants must not have lived or worked in Finland for more than 12 months in the 36 months before recruitment, and must not already hold a doctoral degree.

Funding: the position is fixed-term for 3 years and funded under MSCA regulations. The starting gross salary is approximately €4,251/month before taxes, including mobility allowance, with family allowance where applicable.

Application window: apply by 31 July 2026 exclusively via the GENOME portal. The application must be in English and include a motivation letter, CV, transcripts, and referee contacts.

Supervisors/contact persons: Professor Mehdi Bennis and Associate Professor Sumudu Samarakoon at the University of Oulu.