This research project aims to develop a robust and efficient terrestrial system for accurate positioning and time-transfer, using virtual ultra-wideband radio signals, which can serve as a backup and complement to GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) in environments with reduced GNSS availability. The virtual ultra-wideband approach allows for a limited demand for expensive radio frequency spectrum and time resources by using multiband signals, and through flexible signal design, straightforward implementation and integration with current and new generation telecommunications standards, such as 5G, are expected.

The PhD candidates will address multiband radio channel modelling, signal design for multiband ranging, estimation of the channel impulse response from a multiband signal, and multiband carrier-phase based ranging and positioning. Furthermore, a proof-of-principle hardware prototype test-bed will be developed for carrying out measurements and demonstrating the concept.

For this project, a small research team will be set-up, consisting of two PhD-students for the full project duration of 4 years, accompanied by a PostDoc, after the first year. The team of this interfaculty project will be embedded in the Department of Microelectronics, at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), and the Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing, at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Geosciences, both of Delft University of Technology. The daily supervisors and promotors will, together, provide guidance and supervision, and work with the team in close collaboration 

You should have:

• A Masters degree in a relevant discipline (such as mathematics, electrical engineering, computer science, or satellite navigation);
• A strong background in signal processing, mathematical statistics and physical layer wireless communication;
• Good analytical and programming skills, demonstrated affinity with FPGA programming and a proven ability to find elegant and creative solutions to challenging problems;
• A good command of English (certified through a TOEFL or IELTS test);
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 year.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three disciplines - electrical engineering, mathematics and computer science. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make future-proof. We are also working on a world in which humans and computers reinforce each other. We are mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. There is plenty of room here for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1,100 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.