Host: KU Leuven Campus Bruges, Belgium
Main supervisor: Prof. T. Claeys [KUL]
Co-supervisors/mentors: Joerg Widmer [IMDEA], Prof. D. Pissoort [KUL], and Dr. J. Buysse [Citymesh]
Required profile: Telecommunication engineering, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, and computer science.
Desirable skills/interests: Signal analysis, telecommunication, applied optimisation, safety-critical engineering
Objectives:
To identify the possible risks and threats of using wireless connections for safety-critical applications, such as those used in Industry 4.0 and drone operations. To develop a systematic and spectrum-aware approach for detecting and reacting to anomalies, with a particular focus on sensing and mitigating intentional or unintentional jamming in the wireless spectrum. To design and implement adaptive avoidance techniques that ensure reliable communication under adverse spectral conditions. To apply and validate the developed methods in industry-oriented case studies.
What SpecX Offers:
- Attractive and competitive salary in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network regulations
- Additional family allowance (if applicable) and dedicated budget for research and training costs
- PhD funding for 36 months through the MSCA network (with potential for additional funding depending on host institution and national regulations)
- Opportunity to pursue a PhD degree at a leading European university within a collaborative, international network
- Comprehensive training programme including research-specific and transferable skills courses
- Opportunities for internships, secondments, and collaboration within academia and industry partners across Europe
- Active participation in workshops, conferences, and network-wide events to build professional and scientific connections
- Stimulating, multidisciplinary, and international research environment within a prestigious European training network
Deadline for online application: January 30, 2026 (but candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible)