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Chalmers University of Technology
PhD Position

Doctoral student in joint optical communications and sensing

Chalmers University of Technology · Sweden
Deadline
Oct 10, 2026
Closing in 29 days
Location
N/A
Sweden
Employment
Fixed contract (1-4 years)
Full time
Reference
N/A
Posted Sep 11, 2026

About the role

Join us for an exciting and excellent Doctoral student journey to create the future of optical communications and sensing!

About us

At the Department of Electrical Engineering research and education are performed in the areas of Communications, Antennas and Optical Networks, Systems and Control, Signal processing and Biomedical engineering, and Electric Power Engineering. We work with sustainable and smart solutions to societal challenges, such as energy efficiency and electrification in areas ranging from transport and production systems to communication solutions and biomedical engineering.

The Division of Communications, Antennas, and Optical Networks (CAOS) researches advanced wireless and optical technologies. We focus on antenna systems, communication and sensing for future 6G, and secure optical networks. Our work supports a more sustainable and efficient communication infrastructure. The division is strongly involved in education and thesis supervision. CAOS researchers also participate in several major research centres at Chalmers.

About the research project

Critical network infrastructure supporting global Internet communications relies on optical fiber networks, the only future-proof solution for bandwidth-hungry applications, ultra-high capacity, and massive data transmission over long distances. Shared among various network layer services, this infrastructure often operates in unsecured environments, making it vulnerable to external tampering. As external perturbations affect a propagating optical signal, the global fiber network turns into a large sensor, capable of detecting changes in the environment.

While many sensing technologies exist, their integration into deployed optical networks that support global communications remains an open challenge. This project will develop new methods for integrated sensing and communications in optical networks. Cutting-edge machine learning techniques for sensing data analysis, models of the impact of external phenomena on optical signal, and network-wide optimization of transmission and sensing parameters, as well as resource assignment, lie at the core of this project.

Who we are looking for The following requirements are mandatory:
  • To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits in Electrical engineering, communication engineering, computer science, or similar.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
  • Experience in programming, mathematical modeling and simulation
  • Personal competences in accordance with the requirements profile including specification (e.g. social skills, meaning that you enjoy collaborating with others)

    • for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

    The following experience will strengthen your application:
  • Experience in machine learning and/or optical sensing technologies
  • Experience in software defined communication systems
    • What you will do
  • Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of Electrical Engineering (Electrical Engineering Chalmers)
  • Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
  • The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
  • Develop novel machine learning techniques for sensing data analysis
  • Design models of the impact of external phenomena on optical signal parameters
  • Devise network-wide optimization frameworks of transmission and sensing parameters
    • Contract terms
  • The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
  • The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
  • A starting salary of 35,725 SEK per month (valid from May 1, 2026).
  • Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.
    • What we offer
  • As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
  • A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
  • Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

    • Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

    If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

    Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

    Application procedure

    The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

    CV

    Personal letter

  • A brief introduction about yourself.
  • A brief motivation as to why you are interested in this position.

    • Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

    Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

    A background check may be conducted as part of the application process. Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

    We welcome your application no later thanOctober 10, 2026.

    For questions, please contact:

    Marija Furdek Associate professor [email protected] +46700877171

    Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position.

    Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society. Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

    How to apply

    Read the full posting, then apply through the employer's own site. Applications are handled by the institution, not by AcademicGates.

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