PhD in Hybrid FSO-RF-Fiber Channel Models and Transmission Schemes (ANCHOR) Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the field of hybrid free-space optical (FSO), radio-frequency (RF), and fiber communications, as part of the EU-funded ANCHOR Doctoral Network. The project addresses future 6G and next-generation network challenges, with a focus on bandwidth, reliability, energy efficiency, sustainability, and extended coverage for terrestrial and aerial network components.

The specific research topic is Hybrid FSO-RF-Fiber Channel Models and Transmission Schemes. The PhD will investigate combined FSO-RF-fiber links for flexible front-/mid-/backhauling in terrestrial and tropospheric networking scenarios. Main tasks include analyzing hybrid channels, developing accurate but lightweight channel models, designing jointly optimized transmission schemes, and proposing link architectures. The work also includes theoretical, simulation, and experimental evaluation, with expected contributions in waveform design, modulation, coding, and low-level protocols for hybrid channels.

The PhD candidate will be embedded in the ICT Lab of the Signal Processing Systems group in TU/e’s Department of Electrical Engineering. The lab works on fundamental limits, data processing techniques, free-space optical communications, fiber communications, source coding, channel coding, multi-user information theory, security, and machine learning. The position also connects to the Quantum & Terahertz Systems (QTS) team in the Electro-Optical Communications (ECO) group and offers access to TU/e’s Centre for Wireless Technology (CWTe).

This is a structured doctoral training position within the ANCHOR consortium, involving 24 international academic, research, and industry partners. The candidate will benefit from a comprehensive training programme, secondments at partner institutions, and strong networking opportunities. The appointment is full-time for four years and includes teaching duties (minimum 10% of the employment over the PhD period, with up to 15% per year).

Eligibility highlights include a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Communications Engineering, or Applied Physics with excellent grades, strong motivation for research, interdisciplinary teamwork, interest in international collaboration, willingness to spend time abroad for secondments, and English proficiency at C1 level. EU mobility rules apply: applicants must not have resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the three years immediately before the PhD start.

Funding is provided through the EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network ANCHOR, with salary and benefits according to the Dutch university collective labour agreement (scale P). The vacancy is open until the position is filled, and the posted deadline is 2026-08-30.

Contact for more information: Wim Korevaar (associate researcher), c.w.korevaar@tue.nl.