PhD Candidate in Radar-Based 4D Imaging & MIMO Processing

About the SnT

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.

The SPARC group in SnT is pursuing research on signal processing applications in radar and communication systems in partnership with national and international academic and industrial collaborators. Updated information about the recent activities of SPARC can be found here: www.radarmimo.com/.

The group has been working on mmWave radar sensors in different applications, including automotive, indoor sensing, in-cabin monitoring, occupancy sensing, drones, multi-copters, gesture recognition, smart buildings, smart street lighting, smart factories, healthcare, and robotics. The emerging radar sensors in use by the group employ multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and can be connected to build a distributed and cooperative network. To develop signal processing techniques, the group researchers use real data captured by available radar modules at the lab or custom-built MIMO radar with the flexibility to change the transmit waveform and signal processing units on the fly.

Personnel at SPARC have contributed to several seminal papers, book chapters, and books in the fields of waveform optimization, vital signs monitoring, joint radar and communications, sparse arrays, interference modeling, 4D imaging radars, distributed sensing, and tracking. SPARC has also collaborated with long-term industry partners such as IEE S.A (www.iee.lu), University of Naples Federico II, US Air Force Laboratories, TU Berlin, and TU Munich, among others. SPARC personnel have also been involved in European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant and ERC Proof-of-Concept activities. Recently, an alumnus of the group received the Excellent Thesis Award from the University of Luxembourg.

Your role

The technology of Massive MIMO, through the deployment of numerous antennas at both the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) chains, has revolutionized wireless communications by significantly improving capacity and reliability, making it a favored option for various applications, including 5G. This technology has opened exciting new possibilities for 4D (three-dimensional space + Doppler) imaging using mmWave radar sensors, with exceptional spatial and temporal resolution. By utilizing a large number of antennas to transmit and receive signals, Massive MIMO radar can focus energy toward the intended target, minimizing interference from other sources. This enables the sensor to capture fine details about an object's position, velocity, and movement direction, which can be invaluable for applications such as medical imaging, autonomous driving, in-car monitoring, industrial automation, and security surveillance.

The research, called "R4DAR," aims to leverage emerging 4D imaging technology with Massive MIMO to create image-like radar observations in a more feasible way. The project focuses on addressing existing gaps in knowledge of Massive MIMO for radar, functional limitations, and sensing robustness while incorporating new features and achieving lower system costs.

More information on the project: https://radarmimo.com/4d-imaging-automotive-mimo-radar/

The selected PhD candidate will work on one of the following research topic:

• Optimal antenna placement and waveform design for Massive MIMO 4D imaging radar sensors

This PhD research will focus on optimizing antenna placement and waveform design for Massive MIMO 4D imaging radars. It will involve investigating different optimization tools, antenna configurations, and waveform parameters to maximize the radar system's performance regarding accuracy, resolution, and range.

Structure and methodology:

• The PhD student will receive guidance from the advisory committee on prior-art and challenges in Massive MIMO 4D imaging radar
• They will address these challenges by optimizing waveforms and antenna placements

Expected Outcomes:

• The PhD student will be the first author on at least two journal publications and four conference publications
• The student will support validation activities by demonstrating the effectiveness of their research in real-world applications

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in radar technology, antenna design, and signal processing. Excellent programming skills, particularly in MATLAB or Python, would be beneficial.

Your profile

• The candidate should possess (or be in the process of completing) an MSc degree or equivalent in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Physics with an electromagnetic background
• Strong theoretical knowledge in some of the following areas:
• Radar Systems and Signal Processing
• Optimization methodologies
• Machine Learning and Deep Learning
• Development skills in MATLAB/Python/C++ are required
• Exposure to the latest signal processing techniques, linear algebra, and deep learning is desirable
• Experience with hardware prototyping using mmWave radar sensors and USRPs is a plus
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in English are required

We offer

• 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 a list of publications, bachelor/master thesis, and names (with contact information including email addresses) of references
• Cover letter
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken
• Research statement and topics of particular interest to the candidate (300 words)

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 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Kirchberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL06606

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 40952 (full time).