University of Antwerp Doctoral Scholarship

The University of Antwerp invites applications for a full-time doctoral scholarship in the field of X-as-a-Service (XaaS) Architectures for 6G Networks. This position is based in the Department of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology within the Faculty of Applied Engineering, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to pioneering research in programmable and intelligent networks. The university is renowned for its dynamic, international environment, with over 20,000 students and 6,000 employees from 100 countries, fostering innovation and scientific excellence.

The PhD project focuses on XaaS paradigms for next-generation (6G) communication systems. Research will explore the design of service-oriented networking architectures that enable programmable, intelligent, and scalable service delivery across diverse infrastructures, including terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, cloud-edge environments, and vertical industry domains. Key areas include service-based and cloud-native architectures for 6G, Network/Compute/AI-as-a-Service models, zero-touch network/service management, and multi-domain service federation and interoperability. The candidate will investigate mechanisms for resource abstraction, orchestration, and lifecycle management of services in multi-domain and multi-tenant environments, aiming to advance fully automated and service-centric 6G ecosystems.

As a doctoral researcher, you will actively prepare and defend a PhD thesis, publish scientific articles, and support teaching and research activities within the department. The research aligns with IDLab’s work on flexible and deterministic networking, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative opportunities. Most work will be conducted at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger, providing a stimulating academic environment.

Eligibility requires a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field by the start date, with excellent academic results (cum laude/with distinction). Candidates should demonstrate teaching competences and research qualities aligned with university standards, a strong interest in communication networks, distributed systems, or cloud/edge computing, and basic programming skills (Python, C/C++, or similar). Analytical and problem-solving abilities, proficiency in English, and preferred experience with 5G/beyond-5G architectures, virtualization, SDN/NFV, containerization, orchestration platforms, AI/ML for networking, and experimental platforms are advantageous.

The scholarship is initially awarded for one year, renewable for up to three additional years following positive annual evaluations. The monthly stipend is determined by university rates, and additional benefits include eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, bicycle allowance or full reimbursement of public transport costs, and access to a wide range of courses and educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.

To apply, submit your application online by April 23, 2026, including a motivation letter, academic CV with transcript, two reference letters, English proficiency certificate, and a short research proposal (max. 4 pages) aligned with XaaS Architectures for 6G Networks. The proposal should address the problem statement, expected novelty/impact, approach, evaluation plan, and alignment with IDLab research. The selection committee will review applications after the deadline, and eligible candidates will be notified of next steps.

For questions about the application process, contact [email protected]. For job-related inquiries, reach out to Principal Investigators Nina Slamnik-Kriještorac, Miguel Camelo, or Full Professor Johann Marquez-Barja. The University of Antwerp is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.