[Tccc] Open PhD position at University of Twente, The Netherlands

Geert Heijenk geert.heijenk
Wed May 18 04:40:58 EDT 2011


PhD ? Communication protocols for noise-based transmitted-reference modulation

 

In the faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science of the University of Twente, we are starting the WALNUT project (Wireless Ad-hoc Links using robust Noise-based Ultra-wideband Transmission).


 
Research project description

Wireless sensor networks are seen as a key enabling technology for creating the "internet of things", which can support numerous new applications in for instance health care, logistics, and agriculture. The nodes in such a network should consume only very low power, so that they either have very long battery lifetimes, or can even operate without batteries, through energy harvesting. This is particularly challenging because of the radio links between the nodes, which have to be maintained in interference-rich environments with harsh propagation conditions.

The aim of the WALNUT project is to develop new techniques for establishing robust radio links in wireless sensor networks that operate in an extremely crowded radio spectrum, at very low power. These techniques are based on transmitted-reference modulation using wideband noise carriers, implemented in novel CMOS chips, and combined with dedicated medium access mechanisms and network protocols. In the project we work in a cross-disciplinary way, with three PhD students in three neighboring but distinct fields: physical layer aspects, communication protocols, and the low-power IC design of the radio transceiver.



What we ask

The Design and Analysis of Communication Systems (DACS) group is looking for a PhD candidate on the design of communication protocols, especially MAC, for wireless sensor networks based on noise-based transmitted-reference modulation.

We are looking for highly motivated researchers with an MSc degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a similar field, with adequate experimental and theoretical skills. Knowledge of communication protocols, wireless networks, and performance evaluation is required.

Fluency in English is a requirement. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

 

The University of Twente

The University of Twente (UT; http://www.utwente.nl/en) is an entrepreneurial research university, located in Enschede, the Netherlands. The research of the involved groups is part of the multidisciplinary research institute Centre for Telematics and Information Technology (http://www.ctit.utwente.nl).

Within the CTIT, the DACS group (http://www.utwente.nl/ewi/dacs) concentrates on the design, evaluation, implementation, and management of communication systems, thereby focusing on the data link (including MAC), the network, and the transport layer.

 

What we offer

We offer a contract for four years. The extent of each position is a maximum of 38 hours per week (1 fte) according to the Dutch university rules. The monthly salary of a PhD student, in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU), ranges from EURO 2042 gross in the first year to EURO 2612 gross in the fourth year. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus, and a number of additional benefits.

Your main responsibility will be to carry out research, but you will be given the opportunity to acquire some teaching experience. We offer our PhD students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge by joining international exchange programs, by participating in national and international conferences and workshops, and by visiting other research institutes and universities worldwide.

 

Information and application

More information can be obtained from dr.ir. Geert Heijenk, geert.heijenk[remove]@utwente.nl. Candidates are invited to upload their application to http://www.utwente.nl/vacatures/en, before June 5, 2011. Please include the following documents in your application:

 

1.    a motivation letter, clearly stating the PhD position of interest, why you think you are a suitable candidate, and also why you are interested in that specific position;

2.    your curriculum vitae, listing the period of education/degrees, relevant work experience, and any relevant scientific publications;

3.    a completely filled out application form (see http://www.utwente.nl/vacatures/en);
4.    mark transcripts;

5.    copies of (up to five) scientific works, including master thesis;

6.    if English is not your native language, a document stating a overall band score of 6.5 in an academic IELTS-test (International Language Test) or TOEFL, internet based (TOEFL-iBT) of at least 90.

 

Please note that applications will only be considered if all requested documents are included. 



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