Postdoctoral Fellow in Electrical Engineering

Ghent University

Belgium

Overview

Institution: Ghent University
Department: TW05 – Department of Information Technology
Research Group: WAVES (Ghent University/IMEC)
Position: Doctoral Fellow (PhD)
Employment: Full-time (100%)
Vacancy Type: Research Staff
Required Degree: Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics Engineering, Computer Sciences, or a related Master of Science degree
Last Application Date: 30 November 2026, 23:59

About Ghent University

Ghent University is a world of its own. Employing more than 15,000 people, it is actively involved in education and research, management and administration, as well as technical and social service provision on a daily basis. It is one of the largest, most exciting employers in the area and offers great career opportunities.

With its 11 faculties and more than 85 departments offering state-of-the-art study programmes grounded in research across a wide range of academic fields, Ghent University is a logical choice for its staff and students.

The WAVES research group is the expertise centre of the Department of Information Technology of Ghent University/IMEC in Belgium for physical-layer research of advanced wireless networks, bioelectromagnetics, and measurements, simulations and modelling of the radio channel and electromagnetic exposure of current and future wireless networks.

Your Tasks

Researcher for Digital Twin Mapping of 5G–6G Dynamic Electromagnetic Field Environments (Research Group WAVES)

Function Description

Monitoring electromagnetic (EM) fields of legacy and 5th- and 6th-generation (5G and 6G) wireless networks is important for:

Risk communication about radiation and radiofrequency (RF) exposure.
Frequency and radio resource management.
Monitoring and adaptability of wireless systems.

Future 6G networks will integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), including drones and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.

New frequency bands ranging from 7 GHz to 24 GHz (Frequency Range FR3) have emerged as a key enabler for 6G.

A critical gap for infrastructure and radio-resource sharing between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is the lack of data for assessing:

Spatial characteristics of spectrum usage.
Temporal characteristics of spectrum usage.
Frequency characteristics.
Interference.
Radiation exposure footprints.

The project aims to use these data to develop a realistic Digital Twin capable of replicating the radio environment and adapting accordingly.

Research Domains

The research includes:

Monitoring and Measurement

Design of modular monitoring nodes.
Integration into the Radio Electric Observatory experimental testbed for terrestrial and aerial data collection.
Experimental assessment and analysis of electromagnetic fields across relevant spectrum bands (FR3) for terrestrial, NTN, and telemetry services.
Electromagnetic map creation.

Spectrum Analysis

Building and analysing spectrum maps.
Detection of unusual electromagnetic traffic patterns.

Human Electromagnetic Exposure

Human EM absorption assessment using FDTD based on electromagnetic field data.

Detection and Localization

Detection and localization algorithms for dynamic users using:
- Wireless signal parameters.
- Sensor fusion.

Digital Twin Development

Generation of a Digital Twin city model capable of replicating realistic wireless propagation and electromagnetic exposure for dynamic users.
Building upon open-source tools and existing WAVES platforms.
Realising closed-loop network planning based on real-time data.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for enthusiastic candidates to perform research in the domains described above within both national and international projects.

Applicants should hold:

A Master’s degree in:
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics Engineering
- Computer Sciences
- Or a related Master of Science degree

What We Can Offer You

A pleasant working environment within a young and dynamic research team.
A full-time doctoral fellowship.
An initial appointment of 12 months, which—following a positive evaluation—will be extended to a maximum of 48 months.
A fellowship amount equal to 100% of the net salary of an AAP member under equivalent family circumstances.
Fellowship amount determined according to family status and seniority by the Team Personnel Administration.
A doctoral fellowship that satisfies the applicable regulations is exempt from personal income tax.