PhD and PostDoc Positions in Short Range Sensing, Localization and Wireless Communication

PhD and PostDoc Positions in Short Range Sensing, Localization and Wireless Communication

7 PhD scholarships and 3 PostDoc fellowships related to the MELODY project are offered within the area of Wireless sensor networks at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications , NTNU and at the Department of Informatics , University of Oslo in collaboration with Rikshospitalet University Hospital and Norwegian Defence Research Establishment. Download the full announcement.

The scholarships are financed by the Research Council of Norway (NFR) under the VERDIKT program. The project is on medical sensing, localization, and communications using ultra wideband technology
(MELODY) for 7 years (2008-2015) and is a joint effort among Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norwegian Defence Research Establishment, and
University of Oslo. The project will have strong collaboration with several top international universities and leading industry in areas of wireless technology and medical sensing. Information about the project can be found at http://www.melody-project.info.

The goal of the project is to develop more basic understanding of, and novel and more efficient principles for the above mentioned area, and address improvements in short range medical sensing,
localization, and energy-efficient and robust wireless communications for inside and on body applications.

1. Ultra Wideband Communication Three PhD and one Postdoc fellowships are available in the area of wireless sensor network and will focus on cognitive wireless sensor networks, signal processing for robust in-body/on-body communications, and distributed signal processing for communications (joint optimization of source-channel coding and modulation, (etc.), where energy minimization of and spectrum utilization are emphasized. Algorithms based on bio-inspired networks with self-awareness, learning capability, and use of artificial intelligence (AI) will be investigated. The overall optimization aims at the end-to-end throughput, minimization of delay and bit error rate/packet error rate, and the reduction of the effect of interferences

2. Microelectronics for Ultra Wideband Localization Two PhD and one Postdoc fellowships are available in microelectronics implementation for high precision in-body/on-body localization and will focus on time-domain implementations of impulse radio based solutions using wireless sensor network in nanometer scale microelectronics. The candidates must be able to handle the full design cycle for custom-designed microelectronics. Implemented solutions must be demonstrated in prototype setup. In conjunction with prototyping some programming skills for microcontrollers are required. Background in RF design would be an advantage.

3. Ultra Wideband Radar Two PhD and one Postdoc fellowships are available in ultra wideband (UWB) radar for medical application and will focus on short range sensing and imaging of human body. The team will be using a prototype UWB radar system for measuring heart beat and other vital signs parameters. The initial work will focus on determining optimal frequency range and signal processing methods for extraction of different body parameters, where time-frequency-space analysis, phased array imaging and other signal processing methods will be investigated.

PhD candidates working in Topic #1 will be enrolled at NTNU in Trondheim, while PhD candidates working in Topics #2 and #3 will be enrolled at the University of Oslo. The candidates in Trondheim will be associated with the Signal Processing Group at the Department of Electronics and Telecommunications at NTNU while candidates in Oslo will be associated with either Interventional Centre, Rikshospitalet University Hospital, Micro Electronics Group, Department of Infomatics, University of Oslo or Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI). The candidates associated with FFI may require security clearance. They will all work in strong and active scientific environments, and the project will incorporate collaboration with several foreign partners, including National and
European industry. Absolute requirement is that active international publication ofresearch results in high impact, top peer-reviewed journals and conferences must be pursued.

We seek highly motivated individuals holding a masters degree or equivalent education in electrical/computer engineering, communication technology, microelectronics, or other relevant
disciplines. The candidates must formally be qualified for Ph.D. studies at NTNU or University of Oslo. General information about doctoral studies at NTNU and University of Oslo can be found at
http://www.ime.ntnu.no/Dr.gradsstudier and
http://www.matnat.uio.no/english/research/education/index.html. It is required that the scholarship holders apply for, and are accepted for, the Ph.D. study program as soon as possible after hiring.

PhD positions are available for 3 years, where Postdoc positions are normally available for 2 years with possible extension up to 2 additional years depending on obtained results and publications.

The salary and terms are according to the Norwegian state regulations. The PhD position salary will be at NOK 325 800 – 350 000 per annum, while the Postdoc position salary will be at NOK 400000 – 430000 per annum. Full salary during illness and five week paid holidays are according to the state regulations.

Interested candidates are encouraged to contact Project Manager Prof. Ilangko Balasingham (e-mail: ilangkob@rr-research.no; phone: +47 93459022 ), Prof. Svein-Erik Hamran, (e-
mail: sveinerik.hamran@ffi.no, phone +47 63807254 ), Prof. Tor Sverre Lande (e-mail: bassen@ifi.uio.no, phone +47 22852455 ), or Prof. Tor Ramstad (e-mail: ramstad@iet.ntnu.no, phone: +47
73594314 ) for further information.

All applications must contain a cover letter, curriculum vitae, certified copies of transcripts with grades for bachelor and master degrees, and two letters of recommendations. In addition the applications for Postdocs must also contain a PhD certificate. A good command of English is required for all candidates. Non-native English speaking international candidates must document their English
language proficiency through either TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language (test result of min. 600 PBT or 250 CTB or 100 IBT) or IELTS - International English Language Testing Service (test result of 7.0 or better).

The applicant should specify if the application is for one scholarship or several scholarships with reference number to Topic #1, #2 and/or #3. Incomplete applications will no be considered.

The application deadline is June 10, 2008. The application with all enclosures should be submitted before the application deadline to:

Prof. Ilangko Balasingham
Interventional Centre
Rikshospitalet
N-0027 Oslo
Norway

Deadline: June 10, 2008

Via: official announcement