Research Associate in Electrical Engineering
University of Luxemburg
Luxembourg

About us...

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT) at the University of Luxembourg is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services.
We play an instrumental role in Europe by fueling innovation through research partnerships with industry, boosting R&D investments leading to economic growth, and attracting highly qualified talent. We look for researchers from diverse academic backgrounds to contribute to our projects in areas such as: Network Security, Information Assurance, Model-driven Security, Cloud Computing, Cryptography, Satellite Systems, Vehicular Networks, and ICT Services & Applications.

SnT carries out interdisciplinary research in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) systems and services, often in collaboration with governmental, industrial and international partners. SnT is active in several national projects funded by National Research Fund (FNR) and local industries, and international research projects funded by the EU FP7 programme, H2020 programme, and the European Space Agency (ESA). For further information, you may check: www.securityandtrust.lu

The SigCom research group carries out research activities in the areas of signal processing for wireless communication systems, including satellite and 5G/6G communications. It is expanding its research activities to explore several emerging use cases of next-generation wireless communications systems and methods for enhancing the physical layer security of next-generation wireless systems against threats such as jamming attacks. For details, you may refer to the following: https://wwwen.uni.lu/snt/research/sigcom

We’re looking for people driven by excellence, excited about innovation, and looking to make a difference. If this sounds like you, you’ve come to the right place!

About the role...

This is a fully funded postdoc position for 2 years within an EU project (XTRUST-6G: Extended zero-trust and intelligent security for resilient and quantum-safe 6G networks and services). The position offers a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research at the intersection of AI/ML, physical layer security, and next-generation wireless networks.

The main objectives of this position align with the directions of XTRUST-6G:Enhance the physical layer security of satellite and wireless communication systems using AI/ML techniques.

• Enhance the security of UAV-enabled wireless communication systems at the physical layer using AI/ML techniques.
• Develop and apply adversarial training methods to strengthen machine learning models against intentional interference related to adversarial attacks.
• Design, optimize, and implement anti-jamming in UAV communication systems.

The successful candidate will work under the academic supervision of Dr. Jorge Querol (University of Luxembourg) and join a strong and motivated research team led by Prof. Symeon Chatzinotas.

The successful candidates are expected to perform the following tasks:

• Develop machine learning-based solutions to secure UAV-enabled communication networks at the physical layer, addressing challenges such as high mobility, dynamic topologies, and intermittent connectivity
• Investigate and implement adversarial training frameworks to protect machine learning models from intentional threats, including jamming targeting UAV communication channels
• Develop and implement a software and hardware testing environment for UAV. communication systems, enabling real-time validation of proposed techniques
• Utilize platforms like USRP/SDR-based testbeds to demonstrate system feasibility and performance
• Disseminating results through scientific publications and conferences
• Contribute to the different research projects, either coordinating technical contributions and/or preparing project deliverables
• Preparing new research proposals to attract industrial, national, and European projects
• Eventually provide assistance in the supervision of PhD students

For further information, please contact: Dr. Jorge Querol (Jorge.Querol@uni.lu) / Dr. Marcele Kuhfuss (marcele.kuhfuss@uni.lu)

Your profile...

• A PhD degree in Telecommunication Engineering, or Electrical Engineering or Computer Science/engineering, with a focus on wireless communications, physical layer security, and AI/ML methods including adversarial training
• Proven expertise in physical layer security, particularly in UAV communications, addressing challenges such as mobility, Doppler effects, and fast-fading environments
• Practical experience in applying adversarial training or other robustness techniques to improve the security and reliability of machine learning models
• Hands-on experience with laboratory implementations or experimental validations using platforms like USRP/SDRs, channel emulators, or other communication hardware
• Familiarity with secure techniques such as beamforming and anti-jamming methods
• Sound publication track record in relevant international conferences and top journals in the following research areas (at least one IEEE Transaction publication is mandatory)
• Expertise in 5G/6G RAN architectures and/or the O-RAN stack is considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Sionna), MATLAB, and optionally C/C++
• International experience is desirable
• Experience working with industrial or public-funded research projects is highly desirable
• Highly committed, excellent team worker, and strong critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

In return you will get…

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply...

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae, including:
  Cover letter with motivations and topics of particular interest to the candidate (approx. 1 page)
  • For each degree received or currently enrolled in, provide the degree, institution name, institution city and country, and start date of graduation. Include the title and short summary of your PhD Thesis and supervisor name (and Bachelor / Master Thesis if you did one)
    • List of publications (authors, title, journal/conference name and date of publication). Provide a link in case of open access

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 24 Month (which may be extended up to five years)
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07104

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 83099 (full time).