PhD in Network Architectures and Control for Tropospheric and Cell-Free Networks (ANCHOR)

Introduction
Are you passionate about improving wireless networks and developing technologies for 6G? To meet the requirements of future mobile networks, network architectures need to become more agile and will include terrestrial and airborne network components linked by radio and optical communications.

Job Description
Our society is on the brink of a new age with the development of new visionary concepts such as internet of things, smart cities, autonomous driving, smart mobility, and coverage everywhere. This stimulates the use of new deployment concepts, such as hybrid networks and airborne network components, to support the wireless communication evolution. The ANCHOR project focuses on meeting demands on bandwidth, reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, as well as extended coverage from underwater, terrestrial, and aerial network components, and leverages on untapped potential of THz and optical wavelengths alongside existing radio technologies.

This PhD position focuses on Dynamic Network Architectures and Control for Tropospheric and Cell-Free Networks. You will define scenarios and requirements for tropospheric links and networks, will analyze the impact of tropospheric networking on network protocols and control schemes, and will develop network optimization and resource allocation schemes and algorithms for link and network optimization with hybrid fibre-FSO-RF communications. You will further augment software defined networking controllers to integrate tropospheric networking with hybrid fibre-FSO links and will integrate the optimization and resource allocation algorithms, followed by evaluation of network scenarios, QoS, and performance. Expected results include proposed network architectures for tropospheric networks, incl. expected KPIs and performance evaluations, and network or SDN controller plugins for tropospheric link configuration, and link and network resource optimization.

Through ANCHOR you will be provided with a comprehensive training programme covering theoretical and practical skills relevant for innovation and long-term employability in a rapidly growing sector. This highly innovative training involves experts from twenty-four international partners from academia, research institutions and industry. You will be enrolled in the PhD program of TU/e and will have the chance to benefit from secondments at some of the partner institutions as well as wide-ranging networking opportunities across the consortium.

Throughout this PhD you will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. Within QTS you will work within a dynamic team of approximately thirty researchers and as part of ECO will be part of one of the leading groups on optical communications and networking with more than one hundred researchers. You will have the opportunity to work with and in the extensive laboratory facilities of the ECO group as well as TU/e’s Centre for Wireless Technology (CWTe). You will work closely with the second ANCHOR PhD at TU/e within the ICT Lab in the Signal Processing Systems group.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Electrical or Communications Engineering (or Applied Physics), with excellent grades.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Previous experience in dynamic mobile network architectures and network management and control as well as familiarity with relevant protocols and tools are considered advantageous.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interest in collaborating with international and industrial partners.
• Motivation to spend some time abroad for secondments.
• The EU ‘Mobility rules’ apply. For this vacancy this means that candidate students cannot have resided for more than 12 months during the period of 3 years immediately before the start of the PhD in the Netherlands.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (at least C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The European Doctoral Network ‘ANCHOR’ brings together leading academic, industry stakeholders, and SMEs to establish a structured doctoral training program addressing critical technical challenges and skill shortages for next-generation of communication networks. Traditional wireless networks, often reliant on single radio communication and inflexible architectures, will not be able to meet growing demands on bandwidth, reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, as well as extended coverage from underwater, terrestrial, and aerial network components. To overcome these limitations, ANCHOR leverages innovations in the untapped potential of THz and optical wavelengths alongside existing radio technologies. ANCHOR has meticulously designed fifteen doctoral projects that focus on cutting-edge innovations in optical, radio, and THz wireless communications and the harmonization of coexisting spectrums and networks. Through these efforts, ANCHOR will not only deepen fundamental theories but also provide practical, scalable solutions to improve 3D coverage, mobility, latency, network capacity, energy efficiency, and suitability for the future telecommunications infrastructure.

The mission of the Department of Electrical Engineering is to acquire, share and transfer knowledge and understanding in the whole field of Electrical Engineering through education, research and valorization. We work towards a ‘Smart Sustainable Society’, a ‘Connected World’, and a healthy humanity (‘Care & Cure’). Activities share an application-oriented character, a high degree of complexity and a large synergy between multiple facets of the field.

Research is carried out into the applications of electromagnetic phenomena in all forms of energy conversion, telecommunication and electrical signal processing. Existing and new electrical components and systems are analyzed, designed and built. The Electrical Engineering department takes its inspiration from contacts with high-tech industry in the direct surrounding region and beyond.

The department is innovative and has international ambitions and partnerships. The result is a challenging and inspiring setting in which socially relevant issues are addressed.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Simon Rommel, Assistant Professor, s.rommel@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5704.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.ee@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in Network Architectures and Control for Tropospheric and Cell-Free Networks (ANCHOR)

Our society is on the brink of a new age with the development of new visionary concepts such as internet of things, smart cities, autonomous driving, smart mobility, and coverage everywhere. This stimulates the use of new deployment concepts, such as hybrid networks and airborne network components, to support the wireless communication evolution. The ANCHOR project focuses on meeting demands on bandwidth, reliability, energy efficiency, and sustainability, as well as extended coverage from underwater, terrestrial, and aerial network components, and leverages on untapped potential of THz and optical wavelengths alongside existing radio technologies.

This PhD position focuses on Dynamic Network Architectures and Control for Tropospheric and Cell-Free Networks. You will define scenarios and requirements for tropospheric links and networks, will analyze the impact of tropospheric networking on network protocols and control schemes, and will develop network optimization and resource allocation schemes and algorithms for link and network optimization with hybrid fibre-FSO-RF communications. You will further augment software defined networking controllers to integrate tropospheric networking with hybrid fibre-FSO links and will integrate the optimization and resource allocation algorithms, followed by evaluation of network scenarios, QoS, and performance. Expected results include proposed network architectures for tropospheric networks, incl. expected KPIs and performance evaluations, and network or SDN controller plugins for tropospheric link configuration, and link and network resource optimization.

Through ANCHOR you will be provided with a comprehensive training programme covering theoretical and practical skills relevant for innovation and long-term employability in a rapidly growing sector. This highly innovative training involves experts from twenty-four international partners from academia, research institutions and industry. You will be enrolled in the PhD program of TU/e and will have the chance to benefit from secondments at some of the partner institutions as well as wide-ranging networking opportunities across the consortium.

Throughout this PhD you will be embedded in the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team within the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group of the Department of Electrical Engineering at TU/e. Within QTS you will work within a dynamic team of approximately thirty researchers and as part of ECO will be part of one of the leading groups on optical communications and networking with more than one hundred researchers. You will have the opportunity to work with and in the extensive laboratory facilities of the ECO group as well as TU/e’s Centre for Wireless Technology (CWTe). You will work closely with the second ANCHOR PhD at TU/e within the ICT Lab in the Signal Processing Systems group.

Postdoc UB4H: Digital Technologies for Hydrogen Workforce Development

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Investigate how digital learning environments can enhance skill development and reduce time-to-job for hydrogen professionals.
• Design and evaluate adaptive training programs that integrate cybersecurity, digital literacy, and experiential learning.
• Prototype and test remote lab experiments, ensuring meaningful learning experiences for diverse participants.
• Publish academic papers and practical guidelines, and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with educators, technical experts, and industry partners to implement digital solutions in real-world contexts.
• Work closely with other postdocs to ensure alignment across research work packages.
• Contribute to the vibrant research ecosystem within the United Brains 4 Hydrogen (UB4H) program, embedded in the Eindhoven School of Education.

Your work will drive innovation in digital education and support the creation of a future-proof workforce for the hydrogen economy.

Postdoc UB4H: Digital Technologies for Hydrogen Workforce Development

Introduction
Join United Brains 4 Hydrogen (UB4H), a pioneering research program that connects education, research, and industry to accelerate the green hydrogen transition. UB4H focuses on building innovative learning communities and digital solutions that prepare professionals for future roles in a rapidly evolving energy sector. By working in an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to shaping a responsive ecosystem that strengthens collaboration, reduces time-to-job, and drives innovation for a climate-neutral society.

Together with two other postdocs you will develop practical tools to foster collaboration between education, industry, and government, ensuring professionals acquire future-proof skills to enable lifelong learning. Your focus is on digital learning environments, including virtual and remote labs to accelerate skill development and reduce time-to-job. Your research will integrate digital literacy, AI, and experiential learning into innovative training solutions for the hydrogen workforce.

Project Focus This Postdoc Research Aims To:

• Examine how remote labs and digital learning environments can accelerate skill development and reduce time-to-job for hydrogen professionals.
• Design and evaluate adaptive training programs that integrate cybersecurity, digital literacy, and experiential learning.
• Innovate methods for assessing learning performance and collaboration in virtual and hybrid settings.

The project offers room to refine the research questions, to prototype digital solutions and collaborate with educational institutions and industry partners.

Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Investigate how digital learning environments can enhance skill development and reduce time-to-job for hydrogen professionals.
• Design and evaluate adaptive training programs that integrate cybersecurity, digital literacy, and experiential learning.
• Prototype and test remote lab experiments, ensuring meaningful learning experiences for diverse participants.
• Publish academic papers and practical guidelines, and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with educators, technical experts, and industry partners to implement digital solutions in real-world contexts.
• Work closely with other postdocs to ensure alignment across research work packages.
• Contribute to the vibrant research ecosystem within the United Brains 4 Hydrogen (UB4H) program, embedded in the Eindhoven School of Education.

Your work will drive innovation in digital education and support the creation of a future-proof workforce for the hydrogen economy.

Job Requirements

• A PhD in educational sciences, engineering education, learning sciences, or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of hydrogen technology or willingness to acquire it combined with interest in technical skills.
• Experience with designing, evaluating, or implementing digital learning environments, simulations, or remote labs.
• Ability to set up adaptive training programs involving both educational institutions and industry.
• Strong methodological skills in qualitative, quantitative, or quasi-experimental research.
• Excellent communication and relational skills, with a proactive and creative mindset.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with other postdocs and stakeholders.
• Proven ability to deliver both scientific and practice-oriented outputs (articles, guidelines, tools).
• Fluent in English and proficiency in Dutch is considered an advantage, as you will collaborate with local educators and companies.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Part-time employment, 0.8FTE, for 3 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Asst. Prof. Gonny Schellings, g.l.m.schellings@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.apse@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Postdoc UB4H: Interconnecting and cooperation between hydrogen learning communities

Introduction
Join United Brains 4 Hydrogen (UB4H), a pioneering research program that connects education, research, and industry to accelerate the green hydrogen transition. UB4H focuses on building innovative learning communities and digital solutions that prepare professionals for future roles in a rapidly evolving energy sector. By working in an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to shaping a responsive ecosystem that strengthens collaboration, reduces time-to-job, and drives innovation for a climate-neutral society.

You will investigate how learning communities can be interconnected across micro, meso, and macro levels to create a sustainable knowledge ecosystem. Together with two other postdocs you will develop strategies to foster collaboration between organizations. Your research will focus on governance models, cooperative strategies, and digital tools that enable scaling and long-term resilience.

Project Focus This Postdoc Research Aims To:

• Advance theoretical and empirical understanding of nested innovation ecosystems and their governance in the hydrogen sector.
• Analyse mechanisms and design principles that foster responsiveness and interconnectivity between learning communities.
• Develop and test practical interventions and brokerage that strengthen collaboration and scalability across organizational and regional levels.

The project offers flexibility to refine research questions, develop new frameworks, and engage with diverse stakeholders in the energy transition.

Job Description
As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will:

• Explore how learning communities can be interconnected across micro, meso, and macro levels to create a responsive hydrogen knowledge ecosystem.
• Develop governance models and cooperative strategies that enable sustainable collaboration and scalability.
• Conduct design-based research to analyse mechanisms that strengthen ecosystem resilience and innovation capacity.
• Publish academic papers and practical guidelines and share insights through workshops and conferences.
• Work closely with educational institutions, industry partners, and policymakers to align learning communities with regional and national strategies.
• Work closely with other postdocs to ensure alignment across research work packages.
• Contribute to the vibrant research ecosystem within the United Brains 4 Hydrogen (UB4H) program, embedded in the Eindhoven School of Education.

Your research will help shape a robust knowledge ecosystem that accelerates innovation and workforce development for the green hydrogen transition.

Job Requirements

• A PhD in (Technical) Business Administration, Innovation Management, Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong background in systems thinking, ecosystems, governance, and innovation processes.
• Experience with interdisciplinary collaboration and design-based research.
• Interest in the hydrogen sector and energy transition.
• Ability to analyse complex challenges and translate them into actionable insights.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to deliver both scientific and practice-oriented outputs (articles, frameworks, guidelines).
• Fluent in English and proficiency in Dutch is considered an advantage, as you will collaborate with local educators and companies.

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Part-time employment, 0.8FTE, for 3 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,241 max. € 5,538).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

About us
Eindhoven University of Technology is a leading international university within the Brainport region where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

The Department of Applied Physics and Science Education is a research-driven department housing high-quality educational programs, all featuring strong connections between research and education. Our research is clustered in three focal areas: Fluids, Bio and Soft Matter (FBSM); Plasmas and Beams (PB); and Nano, Quantum and Photonics (NQP). Our shared ambition is to equip the next generation of ‘engineers of the future’ with the knowledge and the skills they will need to impact science, innovation, and society, from regional to global scales.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Asst. Prof. Gonny Schellings, g.l.m.schellings@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR Services, hrservices.apse@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• List of up to five self-selected ‘best publications’.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. Please note that incomplete applications may not be considered and could be rejected.

We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.