Doctoral student in integrated TN-NTN 6G and future networks
Position Details (PhD Program)
Project description
Third-cycle subject:
Information and Communication Technology
We are opening two PhD student positions within two major research initiatives at KTH: SMART-6GSAT and 3D-NET. These projects aim to shape the next generation of wireless networks by developing energy-efficient, resilient, and cost-effective 6G infrastructures that integrate terrestrial and non-terrestrial segments and support advanced digital services. Students will be part of a large international collaboration with leading academic, industry, and public partners, working on research questions that are both fundamental and directly relevant to the design of future networks.
Within SMART-6GSAT, one PhD positions is available. The focus is on exploring terrestrial–non-terrestrial (TN–NTN) integration and network design, with emphasis on architectures and protocols that enable seamless connectivity across ground, aerial, and satellite domains, with energy efficiency by design. The 2nd position, within 3D-NET, will study AI-assisted network control and resource management for integrated terrestrial, aerial, and satellite networks, focusing on joint optimization of radio, cloud, and network resources to enable resilient, energy-efficient 6G connectivity. Together, these positions provide unique opportunities to advance both theory and applied technologies in 6G, while contributing to standardization, demonstrators, and Europe’s leadership in future connectivity.
Supervision:
The research is fully funded and will be carried out at the Division of Communication Systems under the supervision of Prof. Cicek Cavdar and Prof. Emil Björnson. The results will be published in top-level journals and prepare you for a research career in academia and industry.
Admission requirements
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:
- passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree), or
- completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
- acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge
In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.
Selection
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:
- independently pursue his or her work
- collaborate with others,
- have a professional approach and
- analyze and work with complex issues.
- and communicate effectively in English as this will be required in day-to-day work.
After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.
Target degree: Doctoral degree
Information regarding admission and employment
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time. In the case of studies that are to be completed with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for two years.
As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH’s Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.
Union representatives
Contact information forunion representatives.
Doctoral Students`network (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)
Contact information fordoctoral section.
To apply for the position
Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.
Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).
Applications must include the following elements:
- CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
- Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long).
- Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.Copies of originals must be certified.
- Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.
Other information
For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.
It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant's consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.
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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.
Join us at KTH
KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.
Learn more about our benefits and what it's like to work and grow at KTH
Type of employment: Temporary positionContract type: Full time
First day of employment: According to agreement
Salary: Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions: 2
Full-time equivalent: 100%
City: Stockholm
County: Stockholms län
Country: Sweden
Reference number: PA-2026-0407
Contact:
- Cicek Cavdar, [emailprotected]
Last application date: 2026-03-11
KTH Royal Institute of Technology