Host: Telefonica I+D, Spain

Main supervisor: Dr. A. Lutu [TID]

Co-supervisors/mentors: Prof. P. Serrano [UC3M], Prof. I. Tinnirello [CNIT]

Required profile: Telecommunication engineering, applied mathematics, electrical engineering, and computer science.

Desirable skills/interests: Signal processing, machine learning, applied optimisation.

Objectives:

To analyse large-scale data that is reliable and collected from spectrum sensing methods. To contrast network-side planned radio coverage with the actual experience of the end-users and build anomaly detection approaches, traffic and user patterns forecast, answer what-if questions regarding the network deployment, etc., to help radio planning teams.

What SpecX Offers:

• Attractive and competitive salary in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network regulations
• Additional family allowance (if applicable) and dedicated budget for research and training costs
• PhD funding for 36 months through the MSCA network (with potential for additional funding depending on host institution and national regulations)
• Opportunity to pursue a PhD degree at a leading European university within a collaborative, international network
• Comprehensive training programme including research-specific and transferable skills courses
• Opportunities for internships, secondments, and collaboration within academia and industry partners across Europe
• Active participation in workshops, conferences, and network-wide events to build professional and scientific connections
• Stimulating, multidisciplinary, and international research environment within a prestigious European training network

Deadline for online application: June 30, 2026 (but candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible)

The doctoral degree associated with this position will be conferred by Universidad Carlos III de Madrid.

Coordinated by KU Leuven, SpecX trains the next generation of researchers to tackle the challenges of 6G, AI-driven spectrum analysis, sustainable wireless networks, and large-scale spectrum measurements. Through interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and hands-on industry experience, the project aims to develop innovative solutions that will shape the future of connectivity.

Our Consortium • KU Leuven (Coordinator) • IMDEA Networks • Consorzio Nazionale Interuniversitario per le Telecomunicazioni (CNIT) • RWTH Aachen University • University of Oulu • Telefónica Innovación Digital (TID) • XYZT.ai • Apeiroon SRL • The State University of New York at Albany (AlbanyU) • Basque Center for Applied Mathematics (BCAM) • Department of Engineering, University of Palermo (UNIPA) • University of Trento (UNITN) • The University of Rome Tor Vergata (UNITV) • University Carlos III of Madrid (UC3M) • Brussels Environment • Citymesh