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

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 :

Expected Outcomes :

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

We offer

How to apply

Applications should include :

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 :

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).