Doctoral Researcher in Backscatter-Assisted Wireless Positioning

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Would you like to develop new wireless positioning methods for challenging non-line-of-sight environments and validate them through real radio experiments?

We are looking for a Doctoral Researcher in Backscatter-Assisted Wireless Positioning to join the Department of Information and Communications Engineering at Aalto University.

The position is part of the Research Council of Finland project Backscatter Assisted Non-line-of-sight Positioning (BANLOS). The project investigates how backscatter communications can enable and improve wireless positioning when direct line-of-sight propagation is unavailable or unreliable.

As a doctoral researcher, you will work towards a doctoral degree while contributing to research at the intersection of wireless positioning, backscatter communications, statistical signal processing, and software-defined radio experimentation. Depending on your background and interests, your research may emphasize theoretical modelling and algorithms, experimental implementation, or a combination of the two.

Your role and research
Your main goal will be to develop and experimentally validate methods that use backscatter-assisted radio measurements to improve positioning in challenging propagation environments. The detailed research questions will be refined together with your supervisors as your doctoral research progresses.

Your work may include:

• Developing signal models, algorithms, and performance analyses for backscatter-assisted non-line-of-sight positioning
• Applying detection and estimation theory to questions such as detectability, identifiability, positioning accuracy, and robustness
• Designing and implementing software-defined radio prototypes and measurement experiments
• Evaluating the proposed methods through simulations, laboratory experiments, and relevant measurement datasets
• Publishing your research in high-quality international journals and conferences and presenting your results to the scientific community
• Completing doctoral studies and developing the research skills required for a doctoral degree
• Participating in teaching and other academic activities of the department to a limited extent

The precise balance between theoretical and experimental research can be tailored according to your background and the scientific direction of the project.

Your research environment and supervision
You will join the BANLOS project in the research group of Professor Riku Jäntti at Aalto University's Department of Information and Communications Engineering.

The research environment brings together expertise in wireless communications, radio positioning, statistical signal processing, and experimental radio systems. You will collaborate with researchers and students at Aalto University as well as with the project's wider national and international scientific network.

You will receive regular scientific supervision and support in developing the skills needed to become an independent researcher. As your doctoral work progresses, you will also be encouraged to develop your own research ideas, build scientific networks, and initiate new collaborations.

What we expect from you
We are looking for a motivated, curious, and collaborative candidate who enjoys tackling challenging technical problems and is interested in developing into an independent researcher.

You should have:

• A Master's degree, or equivalent, in electrical engineering, communications engineering, signal processing, computer science, applied mathematics, or another closely related field
• A strong foundation in wireless communications, statistical signal processing, estimation theory, or a related area
• Good mathematical and analytical skills
• Programming skills suitable for numerical simulation, signal processing, or experimental research
• Good written and spoken English
• Motivation and ability to pursue doctoral studies and conduct long-term research

The Master's degree should be completed by the start of the employment.

We particularly value experience or interest in one or more of the following:

• Detection and estimation theory
• Wireless positioning and localization
• Backscatter or wireless communications
• Statistical signal processing
• Software-defined radio and experimental wireless systems
• Python, MATLAB, C/C++, GNU Radio, or comparable research tools

Previous experience in all these areas is not expected. We welcome applicants whose main strengths are either theoretical or experimental, provided that they are motivated to develop the complementary skills needed for the project.

Previous publication experience is not required. In the selection, we will place particular emphasis on the applicant's research potential, academic background, analytical and problem-solving skills, motivation for the research topic, and ability to conduct doctoral research.

Doctoral studies at Aalto University
The position is intended for a researcher pursuing a doctoral degree at the Aalto Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering.

The selected candidate must fulfil the eligibility and admission requirements of the Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering. If you do not already have a doctoral study right at Aalto University, you will apply for the study right after being selected for the position.

More information about the doctoral programme, eligibility requirements, and doctoral admissions is available on the Aalto University website under Aalto Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering.

What we offer
At Aalto University, you will benefit from:

• A fully funded doctoral researcher position and the opportunity to work towards a doctoral degree
• A research topic combining fundamental questions in statistical estimation with practical wireless systems and experiments
• An international research environment with strong expertise in wireless communications, positioning, and signal processing
• Close scientific supervision while gradually developing independence as a researcher
• Access to computing, software-defined radio, radio prototyping, and measurement resources for theoretical and experimental research
• Support for scientific publishing, international conference participation, research visits, professional development, and building your future research career
• Occupational healthcare and other employee benefits provided by Aalto University

The position follows the School of Electrical Engineering's doctoral researcher employment practices. The initial employment contract is for two years, with a six-month probationary period. Following a successful mid-term review, the contract is expected to be extended for a further two years, giving a total duration of four years.

The salary is determined according to the salary system of Finnish universities. The starting salary for a doctoral researcher is EUR 3,143 per month (gross) and develops as the doctoral research and studies progress.

The preferred starting date is as soon as possible, but the exact date can be agreed with the selected candidate.

The primary workplace is Aalto University's Otaniemi campus in Espoo, Finland. The duties of the position are carried out in Finland, with flexible working arrangements available in accordance with Aalto University practices.

Ready to apply?
If you would like to join us, please submit your application in English through Aalto University's online recruitment system using the "Apply now" link no later than October 18th, 2026 (23:59 EEST). Applications submitted by email will not be accepted. We encourage you to apply early, as we will go through applications, and we may invite suitable candidates to interview already during the application period.

All materials must be submitted in PDF format, with up to five (5) files, each no larger than 5 MB. The application materials must include:

• Motivation letter describing your interest in the position, relevant background, and motivation for doctoral research in the BANLOS project
• Curriculum vitae, including the contact details of at least two referees
• Copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates for your Bachelor's and Master's degrees

You may also include a list of publications or other relevant research outputs if applicable, but previous publications are not required.

We encourage you to explain in your motivation letter how your background relates to one or more of the project's research areas. We do not expect applicants to have prior expertise in every aspect of the project.

Please note: Aalto University's employees should apply for the position via our internal HR system Workday (Internal Jobs) using their existing Workday user account, rather than through the external webpage for open positions. If you are a student or visitor at Aalto University, please apply using your personal email address rather than your aalto.fi address through Aalto University Open Positions.

Further information
For further information about the research topic and the doctoral researcher position, please contact Professor Riku Jäntti, [email protected]. For questions concerning the recruitment process, please contact HR Advisor, [email protected].

About the Department of Information and Communications Engineering
The Department of Information and Communications Engineering at Aalto University conducts high-impact research and education in communications engineering, signal processing, networking, and related digital technologies. Our international community combines rigorous theory with experimental research and close collaboration across disciplines.

About Finland
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For more information about living and working in Finland, see Aalto Careers for International Staff

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