Doctoral scholarship holder resilient beyond-5G/6G networks through zero-touch network and service management

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Department: Department of Electronics and Information and Communication Technologies
Regime Full-time

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape. 

The Department of Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology in the Faculty of Applied Engineering is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in the field of Programmable and Intelligent Networks

Position

  • You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis Resilient Beyond-5G/6G Networks through Zero-Touch Network and Service Management. The PhD project will research network architectures for Beyond-5G (B5G) and 6G systems, with a focus on Zero-touch Network and Service Management (ZSM) as a key enabler for autonomous and resilient 6G. The project aims to investigate how network intelligence and automation, distributed core network designs, and AI-driven control loops can improve network robustness, service continuity, and fault tolerance across heterogeneous and multi-domain environments. The PhD candidate will explore innovative mechanisms that enable networks to autonomously mitigate failures and to dynamically adapt to changing conditions, while ensuring reliable service delivery across cloud/edge/terrestrial/non-terrestrial infrastructures.
  • You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
  • You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology Department.

Profile

  • You hold a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
  • You can demonstrate excellent study results (at least cum laude/with distinction).
  • Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
  • Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
  • You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
  • You have strong interest in communication networks, distributed systems, or cloud/edge computing.
  • You have at least basic programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar).
  • You have good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • You have knowledge of 5G or beyond-5G network architectures (preferred).
  • You are familiar with virtualization, SDN/NFV, containerization, or orchestration platforms (preferred).
  • You have experience with AI/ML for networking or automation (preferred).
  • You have experience with experimental platforms or research projects.
  • You are proficient in English (written and spoken).

What we offer

  • We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation each year, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
  • The planned start date is July 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible after that date.
  • Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
  • You will receive eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
  • As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
  • You will do most of your work at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
  • Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

  • You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including April 23, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
    • a motivation letter
    • your academic CV, including:
      • a transcript of study results
      • two reference letters with appropriate contact details
    • an English proficiency certificate
    • a short research proposal aligned with your research interests on Resilient Beyond-5G/6G Networks through Zero-Touch Network and Service Management. Proposal is max. 4 pages, excluding references
      • The research proposal should include: (i) problem statement & motivation, (ii) expected novelty/impact, (iii) brief approach (models, data/testbeds), (iv) evaluation plan, and (v) alignment with IDLab research on flexible and deterministic networking at the University of Antwerp (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/idlab/research-areas/flexible-deterministic-networking/)
  • The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
  • If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Nina Slamnik-Kriještorac, Principal Investigator, nina.slamnik-krijestorac@uantwerpen.be, Dr. Miguel Camelo, Principal Investigator, miguel.camelo@uantwerpen.be, or Prof. Johann Marquez-Barja, Full professor, johann.marquez-barja@uantwerpen.be.


The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.

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