PhD Position in Specialized Time-Sensitive Wireless Connectivity for Demanding Markets

Join the IDLab at Ghent University to develop deterministic 6G wireless communication systems for mission-critical applications.

Best for:Best for engineers with a strong background in wireless networking, FPGA design, or protocol stack development seeking a PhD in deterministic communication.

Ghent University · Gent Zwijnaarde, Belgium · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at Ghent University

Wireless NetworkingTime-Sensitive Networking6G CommunicationFPGA ImplementationDeterministic SystemsProtocol Stack Design

Deadline

—

Funding

Salaried

100% of the net salary of an AAP member

Start date

2026-10-01

Fixed-term

Location

Gent Zwijnaarde

Belgium

Overview

The IDLab research group at Ghent University is seeking a doctoral fellow to contribute to the FWO SBO project 6GSpecNet. The research focuses on advancing wireless communication systems to provide deterministic latency, reliability, and synchronization for demanding sectors like industrial automation and robotics. The successful candidate will leverage the open-source 'openwifi' platform to design and validate novel protocol stack mechanisms. This position offers the opportunity to work within a world-leading research hub, collaborating with industrial stakeholders and contributing to the foundations of future 6G networks.

PhDWireless6GTSNFPGAopenwifiIndustrial AutomationDeterministic Networking

What you'll do

Conduct high-quality research on deterministic wireless networking and next-generation Wi-Fi.
Design and implement novel mechanisms for predictable latency, reliability, and synchronization.
Develop and validate proof-of-concept solutions on FPGA platforms and experimental testbeds.
Contribute to the full protocol stack from digital baseband to application-level networking.
Publish research findings in top-tier international conferences and journals.
Collaborate with industrial partners and other researchers within the IDLab ecosystem.
Assist with limited educational tasks within the research group.

Requirements

Degree required: Master's degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Degree offered: PhD

Language: Fluent in English (speaking and writing).

Instruction: English

Required skills

Strong programming skills in C/C++ and Linux environments.
Excellent analytical skills for interpreting research results.
Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
Strong interest in wireless communication network design and operation.
Demonstrated academic excellence (minimum distinction).

Nice to have

Experience with FPGA design (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog).Knowledge of wireless PHY implementation and MAC layer design.Familiarity with SDR platforms such as Zynq SoC or RFSoC.Understanding of Time-Sensitive Networking and real-time operating systems.Experience with protocol stack or network algorithm design.

Eligibility

Must hold or be on track to obtain a relevant Master's degree by the start date.
Must be willing to commit to a 4-year research period.

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

100% of the net salary of an AAP member

Duration

4 years

Programme

FWO SBO project 6GSpecNet

FWO

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-30

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official IDLab job portal. Ensure all required documentation is prepared before the deadline as late applications will not be accepted.

Documents required