PhD on Compatibility of Wireless Sensor Networks in IoT Edge Computing Devices

Wireless sensors are the key technology platform to enable us to collect data that will be used for all kinds of fascinating applications like, in our project, asset tracking in fully automated factories, condition monitoring of heavy machinery in critical applications, and energy efficiency and human wellbeing in smart buildings. Wireless sensor networks are evolving very quickly, adding sophisticated edge computing to solve an increasingly complex set of problems, at lower latency while improving battery life of the sensors.

This evolution, however, is oftentimes hindered by electromagnetic compatibility issues which may arise. Interference and coexistence issues, in an increasingly crowded spectrum, set a captivating challenge which calls for an urgent set of solutions which can help us create more reliable, efficient, robust, smart, and secure wireless sensor networks.

Within the European project LoLiPoP IoT, https://horizon-de-lolipop.eu/, a consortium of more than 40 European partners including Universities, research institutes small, medium, and large enterprises, from 11 countries, are working together to bring disruptive benefits for industry and society (reduced carbons emission, increased renewable integration, making the world a safer and better-connected place)

Job Description

It has been estimated   that the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) related costs can amount to 1-5% of the sales price of a product and it can even reach to 10% of total development costs if EMC is not properly considered from the design phase. 

Currently, reliability measurements in wireless sensor networks (WSN) are performed with either a conducted link simulating the different electromagnetic environments, testing for coexistence and interference, or via over-the-air (OTA) tests in anechoic rooms. These two platforms fail to offer a right representation of the realistic environment where the WSNs and its components are deployed: a warehouse, the fuselage of an airplane, a modern office, etc.

In this project you will develop a new measurement paradigm where the rapid-changing reverberant field is considered as the reference for evaluating WSNs using novel sensors, test methodologies, and processing.  You will study new OTA validation and measurement testing platforms and methodologies for WSNs to determine communication/sensing performance metrics (e.g. energy-efficiency, robustness, reliability, latency, etc) in a broad frequency range in a reliable way and within a reasonable timeframe, e.g. within minutes-a few hours.

Besides research you will also contribute to education within the department. Apart from supervising BSc and MSc students in their research projects, other assistance in education, e.g. in bachelor courses, is usually limited to around 5% of your contract time.

The position is supervised by Dr. Ramiro Serra.

Requirements:

• Applicants should have a Master of Science degree or equivalent in a relevant electrical engineering or applied physics discipline.
• Besides good subject knowledge, emphasis will be on creative thinking, motivation, ability to cooperate, initiative to work independently and personal suitability for research training.
• Previous experience in electromagnetic theory and measurement techniques is required.
• Proficiency in using scientific and engineering software packages such as Python, MatLab, ADS, CST etc. are advantageous. 
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in a team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners of LoLiPoP IoT
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Salary Benefits:

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,770 max. €3,539).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.

38 hours per week

De Rondom 70