Hazem Sallouha

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.

The e-Media Research Lab at KU Leuven, part of the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT), offers a PhD position focused on distributed AI-driven embedded intelligence for ubiquitous sensing in the sky. The lab is renowned for its research in signal processing, data analytics, machine learning, and Human-Computer Interaction, with impactful contributions to healthcare, Industry 5.0, biomedical sensing, and education. This project leverages cutting-edge tinyML technologies to enhance intelligence and energy efficiency in resource-constrained devices. As climate change intensifies, clear-air turbulence in aviation and natural disasters are becoming more frequent, highlighting the need for improved weather forecasting and environmental monitoring. Current forecasts in the troposphere are limited to 10 days, and the mechanisms by which Earth's low altitudes (ELA) affect weather patterns are not fully understood. In-situ sensing in ELA can extend forecasts, improve ozone observation, and enhance cosmic radiation monitoring. The rapid development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) presents a promising solution for densifying ELA monitoring, but challenges remain in handling the vast, heterogeneous data and scaling control infrastructure for airborne sensors. This PhD project addresses these challenges by developing ultra-reliable spatiotemporal (4D) predictions using trustworthy, distributed AI intelligence across heterogeneous aerial nodes. The research will design an aerial platform with distributed computing in a mobile network of resource-constrained devices, incorporating uncertainty-aware AI models to maximize resource efficiency and trustworthiness. The second phase will focus on integrating sensing, computation, and communication for context-aware, self-organized aerial networks. Applicants should have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunication Engineering, be ranked in the top 10% of their class, and possess strong grades. Essential skills include fluency in English, a solid background in AI-enabled signal processing and machine learning, and strong interpersonal abilities for teamwork in an international environment. Experience in wireless communication and networking fundamentals is a valuable asset. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar) is recommended. The position offers a PhD scholarship for up to four years, with pre-doc support for non-EER applicants. KU Leuven provides a stimulating research environment, state-of-the-art laboratories, and opportunities for international collaboration. Successful candidates will earn a PhD from a highly ranked university and participate in conferences and workshops with top EU research teams. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity, fostering an environment of open dialogue and respect. For accessibility or support questions, applicants are encouraged to reach out via email. To apply, submit your CV, motivation letter, transcripts, and proof of English proficiency through the KU Leuven online portal. For further information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Jona Beysens or Prof. dr. ir. Hazem Sallouha by email.

The WaveCoRE research group at KU Leuven’s Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) is offering a PhD position focused on AI-driven system and link design for integrated non-terrestrial networks (NTN). The Networked Systems team within WaveCoRE specializes in wireless communications, including UAV and satellite networks, next-generation radio access networks, sustainable IoT, joint communication and sensing, and machine learning-based signal processing. This project is at the forefront of future 6G networks, aiming to support immersive wireless sensing applications through seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial platforms. As a PhD researcher, you will tackle the challenges of highly dynamic communication environments characterized by rapidly changing propagation conditions, user mobility, intermittent line-of-sight links, and heterogeneous radio access technologies. Conventional mobility management and link adaptation mechanisms often fail to maintain reliable connectivity and quality of service in such settings. The project’s goal is to develop predictive network intelligence for integrated terrestrial and NTN systems, enabling proactive resource allocation and improved service continuity. In the first phase, you will contribute to the development of a software-defined radio-based spectrum sensing testbed, combining terrestrial and aerial measurement campaigns to collect large-scale radio environment data. These measurements will facilitate the creation of AI-based Digital Twin models capable of virtualizing and forecasting the radio-electric environment. The second phase involves investigating machine learning and AI-driven algorithms for NTN channel prediction, supporting proactive mobility management across heterogeneous networks. You will explore novel handover and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) adaptation strategies to enhance service continuity for sensing and communication applications spanning ground, aerial, and satellite infrastructures. KU Leuven offers a PhD scholarship for up to four years, subject to positive intermediate evaluations. Non-EER applicants may receive up to one year of pre-doc support. The research environment is highly multidisciplinary, combining theory and implementation, and provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories. You will have opportunities to participate in international conferences, workshops, and collaborations with top EU research teams. Upon successful completion, you will earn a PhD title from KU Leuven, one of Europe’s leading research universities. Applicants should have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunication Engineering, ranked within the top 10% of their class, with exceptional grades. A strong background in wireless communications, signal processing, and networking fundamentals is required. Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) systems and hands-on PCB design is a plus. Candidates must be fluent in English, possess strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work in an international team. Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or similar) is recommended. KU Leuven is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. The university provides a supportive environment for all researchers and encourages open dialogue and differences in perspective. For accessibility or support questions, contact the provided email addresses. To apply, submit your CV (including BSc and MSc average grades), a motivation letter (max 1 page), complete transcripts of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and proof of English proficiency (if available) via the KU Leuven online portal. For further information, contact Prof. dr. ir. Hazem Sallouha or Mr. Rodney Martinez Alonso.