Marie-Curie PhD Research Scientist Wireless Sensing

6G-TERRAIN – Doctoral Candidate (DC)

Nokia Solutions and Networks GmbH & Co. KG is seeking to appoint one Doctoral Candidate (DC) to join the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network on 6G TERrestrial & non-teRrestrial integration through an AI-Native architecture (6G-TERRAIN).

Position:    Doctoral Candidate (DC)
Location:    Magirusstrasse 8, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany
Working time:    Full Time (35h/week)
Duration:    Fixed-Term (3 years)
Living, mobility, family, and research allowances:    In agreement with the MSCA regulations 
https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks

About 6G-TERRAIN
6G is expected to trigger a total rethink of network architecture design, adopting the new Network of Networks vision which promotes the integration of multi-stakeholder, multi-technology infrastructures. To this end, future 6G systems will tightly integrate upcoming satellite systems and Low-Earth Orbit constellations (e.g., OneWeb) as well as High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a concept termed as integrated Terrestrial and Non-terrestrial Networking (TNTN). However, the sheer scale and heterogeneity of future TNTN infrastructures is expected to create a unique set of challenges. To this end, 6G-TERRAIN adopts Integrated Sensing and Communication (ICAS) as a key enabler of TNTNs, allowing to perceive the complex and dynamic TNTNs through sensing the physical environment. Moreover, 6G-TERRAIN aims to propose, design, and validate a novel native AI automation architecture and its associated enabling technologies and theoretical frameworks 
In this technical context, 6G-TERRAIN will build a training network, consisted of 10 Doctoral Candidates who will conduct top-notch research towards the realisation of the 6G “Network of Networks” vision.

The Role
The DC will focus on the design of physical (PHY) and medium access control (MAC) layers of unified TNTN radio access networks to integrate communication and sensing functionalities. Aiming at adding radar functionalities based on beamforming to network base stations, the DC will investigate the architecture and procedures of how communications and sensing can synergize in future networks.
Further information about the Ph.D. projects can be found in the following tables.

Position: DC07
Title: ICAS-related beamforming for 6G Unified 3D Networks.
Scientific context: Future networks will seamlessly integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial topologies aiming at unified 3D networks. As one important aspect, wireless communication network architectures (e.g. of cellular 3GPP-based systems) of current generations will be enhanced with sensing services (e.g. based on OFDM radar). A change in architecture, procedures and processing is required to add the capability of operating with integrated sensing. Newly added sensing functionalities will need to consider the existing designs and procedures for communication services and find the appropriate modifications, such that communication performance is not severely degraded while the new sensing services meet appropriately defined quality of service targets. 
Objectives: Development of beamforming techniques for ISAC deployments integrated in unified 3D networks; proposal of methods for coordination of multi-static deployments, e.g., via interface definition for signaling between different sensing access points; investigation of algorithms for clutter suppression; examination of implications of developed solutions on 3D network architecture, i.e., also in view of standardization.
Expected results: Verification of developed algorithms, both with extensive simulation campaigns and with ISAC proof of concept; generation of IPR to protect developed solutions and bring them to standardization discussions.
Acquired knowledge: Knowledge of PHY and MAC of radio access for communication and sensing services in 3D networks; methods and algorithms in advanced signal processing
Planned secondment: University of Bremen (Germany) for up to 6 months
Ph.D. enrolment: University of Bremen (Germany)

Duties and Responsibilities
1.    Undertake postgraduate research in support of the agreed doctoral research project. 
2.    Work closely with the academic supervisors to ensure the compatibility of the individual project with the overall goals of 6G-TERRAIN.
3.    Present and publish research in both academic and non-academic audiences.
4.    Attend and participate to academic and non-academic conferences, events and seminars.
5.    Attend and participate to all training events and supervisory meetings. 
6.    Be seconded to other network partners as necessary to fulfil the grant obligations.
7.    Prepare progress reports and similar documents on research for funding bodies, as required.
8.    Contribute to the delivery and management of the wider