Communication networks provide the bedrock for digital transition of our society and economy. In 4G and 5G mobile networks, the Netherlands is strong in RF semiconductor technologies and applications of mobile technology. 6G, the new generation for the 2030s, offers large economic opportunities for the Netherlands to extend this position to areas in the global 6G value chain that have earlier moved to Asian and US companies. Securing such a position is crucial for the Netherlands to stay in control of its mobile networks. In the Future Network Services (FNS) program, leading ICT- and semiconductor companies and research institutions will jointly research specific parts of 6G: software antennas, AI-driven network software and leading 6G applications. By integrating these parts at the 6G software layer, FNS creates a powerful approach to make 6G a truly intelligent network. This innovation gives an important impulse to the Dutch economy and sustainable earning power, through advanced industrial activity and significant export opportunities. It will make 6G networks more energy efficient and drive digital autonomy.

Outline of the FNS-6G program:
The FNS innovations are developed in four program lines: (1) intelligent components, developing software antennas for the new high (mm-wave and THz) frequencies in 6G; (2) intelligent networks, developing AI-driven software for 6G radio and core networks; (3) leading applications, developing new 6G applications in mobility, energy, health and other sectors that create value through new set-ups of the sector value chains; (4) ecosystem strengthening, integrating the FNS innovations in the national 6G testbed, stimulating start-ups and SMEs, developing and executing the human capital agenda and ensuring policy alignment. The consortium currently consists of a mix of 60 large and small telecom, semiconductor and ICT companies, universities and public bodies:

• PL1: TU/e (lead), Aircision, Altum-RF, Ampleon, AntenneX, Astron, Bosch (ItoM), Chalmers, CITC, Ericsson, IMEC, KPN, NXP, PITC, Prodrive, RobinRadar, Sabic, Signify, TheAntennaCompany, TNO, TUDelft, Twente University (UT), Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, VTEC;
• PL2: TUDelft (lead), Almende, AMS-IX, Ericsson, IS-Wireless, KPN, Nokia, NVIDIA, Solvinity, SURF, TNO, TU/e, Universiteit van Amsterdam, UT, Viasat, VodafoneZiggo, Vrije Universiteit (Amsterdam);
• PL3: TNO (lead), Alliander, ASML, Comforest, Cordis, Drone Delivery Service, Ericsson, Future Mobility Network, gemeente Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Gomibo, KPN, Philips, Odido, Port Of Rotterdam, PWXR, Robin Radar, TenneT TSO, Vialis;
• PL4: TUDelft (lead), BTG, Ericsson, ECP, EZK, Hanze Hogeschool, KOREWireless, KPN, Liberty Global, Nokia, Odido, OostNL, RDI, SURF, TU/e, UT, VodafoneZiggo.

The PhD position '6G mm-Wave Channel Sounding':
The next wave of mm-wave/sub-THz wireless applications are expected to use frequencies up to 300 GHz, which can provide extremely large bandwidths to realize ultra-high-speed wireless connections. At these high frequencies, directional communication is required, and propagation conditions are different compared to sub-6 GHz frequencies. Therefore, new mm-wave channel models should be developed to include these effects, which requires channel sounding. With channel sounding, the wireless propagation channel is characterized via measurements.

In this project, an existing 5G-NR channel sounder will be upgraded for 6G mm-wave channel sounding. This upgrade will include:

1. A frequency extension to the 90-100 GHz band.
2. An antenna array upgrade for improved angular measurements.

The channel sounder upgrade will be designed, implemented and verified by the candidate. Moreover, the upgraded channel sounder will be used to conduct measurement campaigns for 6G mm-wave channel model development. The main industrial partner in this project is KPN. In addition, the candidate will collaborate with other PhD students from the EM group (antenna metrology).

A high-level planning of the project is:

1. Literature study and definition of requirements for the 6G mm-wave channel sounder.
2. Exploration of channel sounder concepts and implementations.
3. Design and realization of channel sounder upgrade.
4. Verification of channel sounder performance.
5. Channel sounding measurement campaigns: definition, execution and processing.
6. Measurement-based 6G mm-wave channel modelling.
7. Wrap up and finalizing PhD thesis.

Applicants should have, or expect to receive, a Master of Science degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics discipline and should not have more than four years of research experience. In addition to the formal qualifications, selection is also based on the performance of the candidates in other works (e.g. thesis and advanced level courses), as well as through interviews and assignments. Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, motivation, ability to cooperate, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training. Previous experience in the area of radio propagation, antennas, electronics and signal processing as well as proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as MATLAB, WinProp, Wireless Insite, etc. are advantageous.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.