Are you fascinated by the idea of transforming optical fiber networks into advanced sensor systems that can precisely detect earthquakes while maintaining seamless Internet connectivity? Join us on this exciting NWO research project with prestigious collaboration partner in Sweden and the Information and communication Theory lab at the TU/e.

Job Description

Around 500,000 earthquakes occur globally each year, with over 1,000 caused by gas exploration in the Groningen region in the Netherlands within the past 40 years. Predicting these earthquakes currently requires installing expensive dedicated sensor networks. This project instead focuses on transforming existing optical fiber networks, currently used only for providing Internet, into powerful distributed sensor networks that can detect and locate earthquakes. 

As a post-doc you are asked to lead research in this area, give guidance to students and come up with innovative concepts. The research includes developing novel theoretical simulation models and devising advanced signal-processing algorithms for better detection and localization accuracy. A particular emphasis will be placed on the application of emerging machine learning and data-driven techniques to optimize communication performance and sensing accuracy.

This position is part of the collaborative NWO research project Pinto which aims to develop novel algorithms and approaches for earthquake localization using existing optical fiber networks. The Pinto project foresees close collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) and provides opportunities for research visits to Chalmers.  We will collaborate with the Fibre-Optic Communication Research Centre (FORCE) at Chalmers, which brings together a team of approximately 40 researchers in a ground-breaking, collaborative pursuit of innovate solutions for optical communication systems. After a successful 8 months at TU/e, the candidate will have the opportunity to spend 12 additional months at Chalmers University of Technology.

https://www.tue.nl/en/news-and-events/news-overview/17-07-2024-four-tue-researchers-obtain-ained-subsidy-for-innovative-ai-projects

https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/earthquakes-cancer-research-and-can-ai-trust-us-10-promising-ai-projects-starting-within-ngf-ained-xs-europa

• You are a motivated researcher with a PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• You are able to conduct independent academic research, as evidenced by your previous publications in relevant high-ranking journals and conference proceedings.
• You have a strong background in signal processing, communication theory and machine learning.
• You have a comprehensive understanding of physical-layer communications and experience with optical channel models.
• You are experienced in modelling communication systems and their performance with Matlab, Python or C++.
• You are a team player who enjoys coaching and teaching students and shaping new research plans.
• You have excellent proficiency in written and verbal English, along with strong communication and leadership skills.

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 8 months.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,020 max. €5,278).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.