Raf Berkvens

The University of Antwerp is offering a full-time doctoral scholarship holder position in Wireless Localization and Sensing in Integrated Satellite and Terrestrial Networks within the Department of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology, Faculty of Applied Engineering. This PhD position is part of the WiSeNet project, an FWO SBO initiative focused on developing the next generation of AI-native integrated satellite and terrestrial 6G networks. The research centers on Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) for accurate localisation, tracking, and collision avoidance of unmanned vehicles (UAVs) using terrestrial 5G/6G systems and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The successful candidate will investigate how communication signals can be used not only for connectivity but also for high-precision sensing, with the goal of achieving near-GNSS accuracy while improving robustness, energy efficiency, and spectrum utilisation in integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. The work includes developing novel ISAC-based collision avoidance algorithms, combining wireless sensing with digital map information such as 3D building models, and validating methods through realistic simulations and experimental measurements. The project will be carried out in the IDLab research group at imec and the University of Antwerp, under the supervision of Prof. Raf Berkvens and Dr. Thomas Janssen . The research environment includes access to software-defined radios, 5G testbeds, LEO satellite receivers, an AI compute cluster, and a newly deployed 6G Perceptive Radio Lab for real-world ISAC experiments. Applicants should hold, or expect to hold by the start date, a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field. Strong results are expected, and candidates should have excellent knowledge of wireless communications, networking, and signal processing, as well as at least intermediate machine learning skills. Programming experience in Python and/or MATLAB is essential, and experience with PyTorch, TensorFlow, SDR hardware, GNURadio, MATLAB, or LabView is considered an asset. Excellent English communication skills are required. The scholarship is offered for one year initially and may be renewed for up to three additional years after positive yearly evaluation. The planned start date is 1 October 2026 , or as soon as possible thereafter. In addition to the monthly scholarship, the University of Antwerp offers eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and commuting support. The application deadline is 10 August 2026 at midnight Brussels time. To apply, candidates must submit their application via the University of Antwerp online platform and include a motivation letter, the requested degree, an academic CV with transcript of study results, two reference letters with contact details, and an English proficiency certificate.