Luleå University of Technology is growing rapidly with world-leading expertise in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefits. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of almost SEK 2.1 billion per year. We are currently 1,900 employees and have 18,700 students. In the coming years, billions of kronor will be invested in Norrbotten and Västerbotten in major projects aimed at a more sustainable society nationally as well as globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these highly topical research projects and the social transformation that follows. We have a wide range of programs to match the skills that are in demand. We hope you will help us build the sustainable companies and societies of the future. The Department of Systems and Space Engineering at Luleå University of Technology (LTU) invites applications for two PhD positions in signal processing, focusing on research in next-generation space-ground wireless communication and sensing. 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 work will be conducted within the interdisciplinary research centre SMART 6GSAT and in collaboration with the Royal Institute of Technology, together with a broad partnership of companies, authorities, organizations and regions. Funding for the services is provided by the European Regional Development Fund. Subject description The subject covers signal processing with a focus on the development and optimization of algorithms for the processing of one- and multi-dimensional signals that are closely related to applications and applied research. Project description For the sixth generation (6G) wireless system, low earth orbit (LEO) satellites will be integrated with terrestrial systems - aiming to achieve global coverage and to extend broadband and IoT services to all rural and remote locations, with low latency and high energy efficiency. To achieve this goal and avoid interference, signals from satellites, ground and base stations, and many users need to be integrated in an energy-efficient way using massive and distributed MIMO, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS) and other emerging technologies. In addition, new objectives, beyond the traditional communication services, such as integrated sensing (ISAC) and localization, are becoming increasingly important for 6G. The research will be mainly theoretical, but LTU has testbeds for potential experiments. Work tasks 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 role of a teacher. The primary aim of this research project is to investigate some of the fundamental aspects and methods of how to communicate, detect and localize using wireless signals between LEO satellites and the ground in an energy-efficient way, using concepts such as MIMO and RIS. The research will be conducted at the Division of Signals and Systems at LTU under the supervision of Associate Professor Rickard Nilsson and Professor Jaap van de Beek. 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's degree, or equivalent, in signal processing, wireless communications or mathematics. The research will focus on signals in the physical layer but may also include aspects of media access control and network layers. The research is expected to use methodologies from signal processing, communication theory, mathematics, wave propagation, electromagnetism, optimization, machine learning and networks. Strong documented experience in these areas is an advantage, especially if you have published your work. Candidates should have 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 obtained their degree earlier may also be considered if there are special reasons, such as various types of statutory leave. Information to be provided The position as PhD student is fixed-term for 4 years, based in Luleå, Sweden, and with the possibility of extension for up to one year corresponding to time spent on teaching or other departmental duties. Start date will be by agreement. For further information about the PhD position, please contact Associate Professor Rickard Nilsson, 0920-49 1594, rickard.o.nilsson@ltu.se, or Professor Jaap van de Beek, 0920-49 3383, jaap.vandebeek@ltu.se Trade union representative: SACO-S Diana Chroneer, 0920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se OFR-S Marika Vesterberg, 0920-49 1721 marika.vesterberg@ltu.se How to apply We prefer that you apply for the position via the application button below where you attach your CV/resume, copies of diplomas and grades, a copy of your thesis report, as well as a short description of why you want to conduct research, your academic interests in the context of the research project and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals (max one page). Please mark your application with the reference number below. Both the application and the degree certificate must be written in Swedish or English. Apply by: January 11, 2026 Reference number 4758-2025