Doctoral Researcher in Backscatter-Assisted Wireless Positioning

About the role

Aalto University's Department of Information and Communications Engineering is looking for a Doctoral Researcher in Backscatter-Assisted Wireless Positioning within the BANLOS project, which studies how backscatter communications can improve wireless positioning when line-of-sight is unavailable. The researcher works towards a doctoral degree in the Doctoral Programme in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on wireless positioning, backscatter communications, statistical signal processing and software-defined radio experimentation.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and experimentally validate methods that use backscatter-assisted radio measurements to improve positioning in challenging environments
• Develop signal models, algorithms and performance analyses, applying detection and estimation theory to accuracy, robustness and identifiability
• Design and implement software-defined radio prototypes and measurement experiments
• Evaluate methods through simulations, laboratory experiments and measurement datasets
• Publish in international journals and conferences and present results
• Complete doctoral studies and take part in teaching and other academic activities to a limited extent

Required profile

• Master's degree (completed by the start of employment) in electrical engineering, communications engineering, signal processing, computer science, applied mathematics or a closely related field
• Strong foundation in wireless communications, statistical signal processing or estimation theory
• Good mathematical and analytical skills, programming skills for simulation and signal processing, and good English
• Motivation to pursue a doctorate and long-term research; previous publication experience is not required

Required skills

• Preferred: detection and estimation theory, wireless positioning, backscatter communications, statistical signal processing, software-defined radio
• Preferred: Python, MATLAB, C/C++, GNU Radio or comparable tools

What we offer

• Fully funded position with a two-year initial contract and a six-month probation, extendable to four years
• Starting salary of EUR 3,143 gross per month, developed as research progresses
• Supervision by Professor Riku Jäntti and access to computing, SDR, prototyping and measurement resources
• Support for publishing, conferences, research visits and professional development
• Workplace at the Otaniemi campus in Espoo, with flexible working arrangements

Applications are submitted online in English through the university's recruitment system by 18 October 2026, with a motivation letter, CV, transcripts and degree certificates.