PhD Researcher in the area of Communication Networks

Deadline: 15 October 2025

The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) invites applications for a PhD Researcher in the area of of Communication Networks, within the Department of Innovative Technologies (DTI), located in Lugano. The degree of employment is 100%, with a contract starting on 1st January 2026, or on a mutually agreed date.

Scope and purpose of the position

The position focuses on contributing to national and international research projects aimed at advancing the automation and optimization of communication networks, with particular attention to data-driven methodologies and artificial intelligence (AI)-based solutions for intelligent network management. The successful candidate will work on the development and evaluation of advanced techniques to enhance the efficiency, resilience, security, and sustainability of next-generation (5G/B5G/6G and beyond) communication infrastructures. More specifically, the candidate will contribute to the design and implementation of innovative machine learning (ML) and AI approaches for network monitoring, control, and orchestration, with a specific focus on trustworthiness, explainability, and energy efficiency. Collaboration with academic and industrial partners within large-scale, multidisciplinary projects will be an integral part of the role, as well as the dissemination of scientific results through high-impact publications and presentations.

Responsibilities and activities

• Conduct research on data-driven and AI-based network automation for next-generation communication infrastructures.

• Design, implement, and evaluate advanced ML/AI solutions, with a focus on trustworthiness, interpretability, security, and energy efficiency for network monitoring, control, and orchestration.

• Contribute to the definition of research methodologies and the development of prototypes and tools to validate proposed solutions.

• Write and publish scientific papers, articles, and project deliverables in collaboration with the research team.

• Co-advise PhD students within the group and support their scientific and professional development.

• Collaborate actively with academic and industrial partners within national and international research projects.

• Contribute to the preparation of project proposals for competitive funding schemes.

Requirements

• PhD in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.

• Strong publication record in high-impact international journals and conferences in the fields of communication networks, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.

• Extensive experience with advanced machine learning and AI libraries and frameworks, with particular expertise in deep learning, model interpretability, explainability, and uncertainty quantification, using tools such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and specialized libraries like SHAP, LIME, Captum, Alibi, and TensorFlow Probability.

• Ability to work independently and manage activities efficiently to meet project deadlines.

• Proven ability to conduct independent research and collaborate effectively within a team.

• Ability to co-supervise PhD students, support their research progress, and contribute to their scientific development.

We offer

• Fixed-term employment contract with the possibility of extension.
• Participation in cutting-edge research projects with national and international partners.
• Hybrid position combining research and advanced technological development activities.
• Opportunities to attend high-profile conferences.
• International working environment.
• Attractive compensation, in line with Swiss standards and the selected candidate’s experience.

Application Process

Applications will only be considered if submitted electronically by 15.10.2025, through the dedicated application form. The following documents, written in English, must be included:

• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications and, if available, a link to the PhD thesis
• Copies of academic degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD, if available) and transcripts with grades
• List of two references (including email addresses)
• Motivation letter, including a brief description of previous research experience and future interests (1–2 pages)

For further information, please contact Dr. Omran Ayoub.

Incomplete applications, those submitted to incorrect addresses, or those received after the deadline will not be considered. In addition to the required application documents, further documentation (such as a criminal record certificate or a copy of an identity document) may be requested at a later stage.