Are you ready to take the next step in your academic journey? As a PhD student with us, you will work closely with leading researchers in a strong and international research environment, with access to advanced lab equipment and good funding opportunities. You are offered a secure employment, high quality supervision and room to grow, both as a researcher and as a person.
The Department of Systems and Space Engineering at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) announces a PhD position in signal processing, with a focus on research in acoustic backscatter communication. We are looking for ambitious and creative candidates with an MSc or MSc degree and strong analytical skills, who want to contribute to cutting-edge research in this area. The position is funded by grants from the Swedish Research Council.
Description of the subject
The subject covers signal processing with a focus on the development and optimization of algorithms for processing one- and multi-dimensional signals that are closely related to applications and applied research.
Project description
Visionary scenarios for future communication networks include extensive use of sensors and actuators in, for example, industrial and medical applications. Often these sensors are envisioned to be at the nanoscale, occurring in very large numbers and being deeply embedded in mechanical structures or biological tissue. Not only is the use of wires often impossible, but also the use of radio waves may be impractical or not allowed. It is therefore desirable that new, future passive sensors be equipped with wireless methods, other than radio, for information transfer and power supply.
In this project, we investigate the potential and limitations of passive devices that use acoustic ultrasound waves as a means of communication and as a source of energy harvesting. The devices we study use incoming ultrasound waves as their only energy source and are based on arrays of reconfigurable reflective acoustic elements. This enables communication by acoustic backscattering: the incoming wave is modulated and reflected back to the receiver with virtually no additional active components.
Duties
A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a PhD student, you will be trained in scientific work in the form of publishing scientific articles in journals and at national and international conferences. You will also take compulsory and optional doctoral courses. In addition, you may have the opportunity to try out the teaching role.
The research will be conducted at the Division of Signals and Systems at LTU under the supervision of Professor Johan Carlson. The research results will be published in leading journals and conferences and prepare you for a career in both academia and industry.
Qualifications
To be eligible for a PhD position, you must have a Master of Science degree, or equivalent, in engineering physics, electrical engineering or equivalent, with a specialization in signal processing and measurement technology. The research is expected to use methodologies from signal processing, communication theory, mathematics, acoustic wave propagation, optimization, and machine learning. Strong documented experience in these areas is an advantage, especially if you have published your work. Candidates should have an excellent command of English, both oral and written.
A civil engineering or master's degree awarded no more than five years before the application deadline is a good qualification. Candidates who received their degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various types of statutory leave.
For further information on specific doctoral training see
http://www.ltu.se/research/Utbildning-pa-forskarniva/Studieplaner/Allmanna-studieplaner-Teknisk-fakultetsnamnd
Information
PhD employment is limited to 4 years, teaching and other departmental duties may be added up to 20% of full-time. Place of employment: Luleå. Intended start date: by agreement.
For further information, please contact Professor Johan Carlson, 0920-49 2517, mailto:johan.carlson@ltu.se
Union representative:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 mailto:diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 mailto:marika.vesterberg@ltu.se
Application
We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach a cover letter as well as CV/resume and copies of verified diplomas. Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the diploma must be written in Swedish or English.
Date for application: 2026-06-14
Reference number: 3480-2026