Join TU Delft to advance close-to-zero-energy 6G communication for billions of future IoT devices. In this PhD, you will develop breakthrough ambient backscatter technologies spanning terrestrial and satellite networks, contributing to sustainable, battery-free connectivity. You will work in an international research environment that values scientific excellence, creativity, meaningful connections, and even makes room for good conversations over high-quality tea.
Job description
As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the Horizon Europe project IoT-ZERO by developing new communication techniques for ultra-low-power IoT systems in terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (TN/NTN). Your research will focus on ambient backscatter communication, signal processing, and energy-efficient wireless design for future 6G systems. Topics may include modulation design, wireless channel modeling, intelligent reflection mechanisms, delay-Doppler signal processing, and creative approaches to near-zero-energy operation.
You will work at the intersection of wireless communications, embedded systems, and satellite-enabled IoT. A key challenge is enabling reliable communication in dynamic wireless environments while minimizing energy consumption. Your work will contribute to scientific advances in 6G, sustainable connectivity, and future satellite-IoT integration.
You will join the Embedded Systems group within TU Delft’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS), a leading environment for research in energy-efficient wireless systems and distributed intelligence. As part of a European consortium, you will collaborate with universities, research institutes, satellite technology providers, and industry partners, while working closely with Prof. Arash Asadi, Prof. Przemysław Pawełczak, and a multidisciplinary research team.
The position offers access to advanced SDR platforms, RF measurement equipment, and wireless experimentation facilities. You will have opportunities to publish at leading conferences, contribute to international 6G initiatives, and grow through TU Delft’s PhD training programme, technical courses, and professional development support.
Job requirements
- You hold an MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Wireless Communications, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- You have a strong academic record and demonstrated analytical and mathematical skills relevant to communication systems research.
- You have experience with wireless physical layer design, such as modulation, coding, synchronization, or channel modeling.
- You have programming experience in MATLAB and/or Python for simulation, modeling, or signal processing.
- You have expertise in satellite communications, backscatter communication, RIS, or time-varying wireless channels, or are eager to develop it.
- Experience with SDR platforms such as USRP or GNU Radio is considered an advantage.
- You are motivated to work creatively and collaboratively in an international, multidisciplinary research environment.
- You have an excellent command of spoken and written English.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.
At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.
Conditions of employment
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Arash Asadi, via a.asadi@tudelft.nl.
#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named IoT-Zero name, within Horizon Europe Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU) program.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 June 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- CV including your educational and research background, Professional skills and List of publications
- Motivational letter in which you explicitly state your topic of interest, the research plan, and why you find yourself a suitable candidate for this topic (max. 800 words)
- Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts
You can address your application to Dr. Arash Asadi.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
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