AI-Driven System and Link Design for Integrated Non-terrestrial Networks

The research group WaveCoRE in the Department of Electrical Engineering (ESAT) is dedicated to advancing the fields of electromagnetic theory, wave propagation, microwave and millimeter-wave circuits, and wireless systems. Within WaveCoRE, the Networked Systems team covers research on several fields of wireless communications, including non-terrestrial UAV and satellite networks, next-generation radio access networks, sustainable Internet of Things, joint communication and sensing, as well as machine learning-based signal processing.
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Project

Future 6G networks are expected to support immersive wireless sensing applications through the seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTN), including aerial platforms and satellite systems. These applications will rely on highly dynamic communication environments characterized by rapidly changing propagation conditions, user mobility, intermittent line-of-sight links, and heterogeneous radio access technologies. In such environments, conventional reactive mobility management and link adaptation mechanisms struggle to maintain reliable connectivity and quality of service. Furthermore, the lack of accurate, real-time representations of the radio environment limits the ability of networks to anticipate connectivity disruptions and optimize resource allocation proactively.

This PhD project addresses these challenges through the development of predictive network intelligence for integrated terrestrial and NTN systems. In its first phase, the candidate will contribute to the development of a software-defined radio-based spectrum sensing experimental testbed that combines terrestrial and aerial measurement campaigns to collect large-scale radio environment data. These measurements will support the creation of AI-based Digital Twin models capable of virtualizing and forecasting the evolution of the radio-electric environment. In the second phase, the candidate will investigate machine learning and AI-driven algorithms for NTN channel prediction, enabling proactive mobility management across heterogeneous networks. Building upon these predictive capabilities, novel handover and modulation and coding scheme (MCS) adaptation strategies will be explored to improve service continuity for sensing and communication applications spanning ground, aerial, and satellite infrastructures.

Profile

We are looking for highly motivated PhD researchers with an interest in non-terrestrial communication systems design. The candidate should have a solid background in wireless communications, signal processing, and networking fundamentals. Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) systems (e.g., USRP, NI, LimeSDR, or similar)  is a plus. In particular, the applicant should 

• have a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or Telecommunication Engineering,
• be ranked within the top 10% of their class in MSc and BSc, and have exceptional grades,
• have strong communication skills and is fluent in English,
• have a solid background in wireless communication and networking fundamentals, 
• have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in an international team.
• Experience with software-defined radio (SDR) systems (e.g., USRP, NI, LimeSDR, or similar) is a valuable addition.
• Hands-on experiance with PCB design is a plus.

Offer

• A PhD scholarship for up to four years (subject to positive intermediate evaluations). If the applicant is non-EER, up to 1 year of pre-doc will also be supported. 
• An exciting research environment, working on the intersection between theory and implementation in a very multi-disciplinary research environment.

• A PhD title from a highly ranked university (#1 in Europe in terms of scientific innovation) after approximately 4 years of successful research.

• A thorough scientific education, the possibility of becoming a world-class researcher.
• A KU Leuven affiliation, one of the largest research universities in Europe.

• You will be working on a state-of-the-art topic with state-of-the-art laboratories.

• The possibility to participate in international conferences, workshops, and collaborations with top EU research teams.

Interested?

For more information, please contact Prof. dr. ir. Hazem Sallouha, mail: [email protected] or Mr. Rodney Martinez Alonso, mail: [email protected].

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