Doctoral student in Computer Science with a specialisation in 6G mobile systems

Sapere Aude – dare to know – is our motto. Our students and employees develop important knowledge that enrich both the individual and the community. Our academic environment is characterised by curiosity, courage and openness, with a close connection between people, professional roles, disciplines and research. Gender equality, diversity and a democratic approach form the foundation of our organisation. Located in Värmland, a scenic region with a rich cultural life, we are committed to promoting sustainable development in close collaboration with the wider community. Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 17,700 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika. More information at: kau.se/en/work\-with\-us ### **Description** The Faculty of Health, Science and Technology invites applications for a doctoral studentship in Computer Science at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. As a doctoral student, you will contribute to research of high societal and industrial relevance and be part of the university’s strategic investment in research education, within a PhD position focused on 6G wireless systems with emphasis on large\-scale Internet of Things (IoT). While 5G deployment is still ongoing, research and standardization efforts have shifted towards the design of 6G systems, which aim to natively support massive, heterogeneous, and intelligent connectivity. A key driver of 6G is the need to enable IoT at extreme scale, ranging from dense terrestrial deployments to globally distributed devices, with stringent requirements on energy efficiency, reliability, latency, and scalability. In addition, 6G is expected to provide native integration of non\-terrestrial networks (NTNs)—including satellite and aerial platforms—allowing seamless connectivity across terrestrial and non\-terrestrial segments. In this context, data\-driven, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML)\-native approaches are essential for the design and operation of 6G networks. Future systems must autonomously manage highly dynamic radio environments, massive numbers of IoT devices, and the tight coupling of communication, computing, and storage across the cloud–edge–device continuum, while meeting strict performance and sustainability constraints. The PhD position will focus on the modelling, design, analysis, and validation of data\-driven solutions for 6G IoT systems. Research topics may include, but are not limited to, scalable radio access and multiple\-access schemes for massive IoT, intelligent resource allocation and orchestration across terrestrial and NTN\-integrated networks, and edge\-assisted processing for latency\- and energy\-constrained IoT services. Particular emphasis will be placed on AI and ML techniques for network optimization, traffic prediction, and autonomous operation in large\-scale and heterogeneous 6G environments. The work will be carried out in close collaboration with other researchers in the Distributed Intelligent Systems and Communications (DISCO) group at the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science. DISCO is a leading, internationally renowned research group in the field of mobile communication systems and services. Multiple research projects funded by European and national research organisations have created a highly innovative team of experts, with excellent research networks and working conditions for independent scientific work. Research within the DISCO group is based on a project\-centered and collaborative culture. Through interdisciplinary research in our major research areas, as well as in joint projects with external partners from both academia and industry, we contribute towards tomorrow’s technology and society. Our main research areas cover all aspects of mobile communication systems and services, with topics including but not limited to the design of innovative solutions and protocols for network and computing resource allocation, multi\-connectivity, and low\-latency services, often applying AI/ML. Applicants for the offered position are expected to contribute to this research environment in an open and collaborative way, as well as collaborate with our partners outside DISCO, e.g., industrial partners, in the context of interdisciplinary projects. ### **Duties** As a doctoral student, you will primarily dedicate time to your own studies. The doctoral programme, comprising 240 credits for a Degree of Doctor, is an opportunity to study while being paid a salary in combination with work and provides a stepping stone for a career in academia. The doctoral student is expected to work independently and be prepared to contribute to the activities and development of the subject and the department. Teaching and administrative duties may also be included upon agreement (maximum 20% of full time). Work as a doctoral student allows for great freedom and flexibility in terms of how you structure your day. It takes commitment, discipline and a structured approach in order to successfully complete a doctoral thesis. Experienced supervisors offer guidance and support along the way. To contribute to a positive work environment and further the department’s activities, we expect you to be a present and active part of the day\-to\-day operations and workplace community. ### **Entry requirements and admission** To be eligible for a doctoral studentship, the applicant must meet the general and specific entry requirements (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 35\). To meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have been awarded a second\-cycle qualification, satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second\-cycle, or acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 7, Sect. 39\). To meet the specific entry requirements for third\-cycle studies in Computer Science, the applicant must have a Master’s degree or the Swedish Magister or Civilingenjör Degrees in Computer Science or Computer Engineering, or equivalent. A person who, in some other way in the country or abroad has acquired equivalent knowledge, also meets the specific entry requirements. Admission is based on individual assessment. ### **Assessment criteria** The assessment will focus on the applicant’s performance in previous studies and the quality of any independent projects completed during these studies. The most important assessment criteria for the selection are scientific skills, language skills in English, and general competence for data\-driven research on mobile networks and services. Special weight will be given to knowledge of wireless communications, mobile networks, statistics and AI/ML. Experiences in practical network measurements and in software development and programming with Matlab, Python, and/or C are equally valued. Considerable weight will also be given to personal qualities such as the ability to cooperate, sound judgement, taking responsibility, commitment and a positive attitude towards colleagues and students, and the intention to be a present and active part of the research environment. ### **Further information** Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organisation. We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities, and life experiences. ### **Terms** Upon admission to doctoral studies, the person will be offered the appointment of doctoral student (Higher Education Ordinance, Chap. 5, Sect. 3\). The position comprises four years of full\-time studies, or five years at a study rate of 80% with 20% teaching or other departmental duties. The position is fixed\-term — one year initially, followed by possible extensions by a maximum of two years at a time. Start date by agreement. The salary for the doctoral studentship corresponds to the standard level of salary for doctoral students and progresses in accordance with a local collective agreement. ### **Application** Submit the application via the University’s web\-based recruitment tool, Varbi. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement, for providing translations of any documents written in a language other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish or English, and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardise a fair assessment of qualifications. **The application should include:** * a cover letter where the applicant describes her or himself, details the reasons behind their interest and the qualifications for the position, * a list of qualifications (CV), * degree certificate with a complete transcript of the courses included, or a certified list of completed courses with grades and dates, * copy of Master’s thesis or equivalent, * where applicable, copies of publications or certificates for other qualifications, * any letters of recommendation, * two references, such as a teacher, supervisor, or previous or current superior. Attach all the documents and publications you wish to be considered to the electronic application (do not just provide links). Name each uploaded document to clearly indicate its content. Documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to the following address: Karlstads universitet Hanna Ljungdahl 651 88 KARLSTAD SWEDEN **Application deadline: 2026\-04\-13** **State the reference number: REK2025/231** This translation carries no legal weight. ### **Applicants with qualifications from abroad** If you have qualifications from a university outside Sweden or if they have not been recognised by a Swedish authority before, it is important that you attach degree certificates and official transcripts to facilitate the recognition of foreign qualifications. Provide a contact for the degree\-awarding institution (phone number or email) who can verify your qualifications. **We look forward to your application!** Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and firmly declines any contact with advertising or recruitment agencies. HR Excellence in ResearchKarlstad University received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research award September 2020\. The award is issued to employers with a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and its continuous improvement. The award also conveys the university’s commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more: kau.se/hrs4r Anställningsform: tidsbegränsad anställning \| Anställningens omfattning: heltid \| Antal lediga befattningar: 1 \| Sysselsättningsgrad: 100 % \| Ort: Karlstad \| Län: Värmlands län \| Land: Sweden \| Referensnummer: REK2025/231 \| Kontakt: Stefan Alfredsson, prefekt \+46547001668, Stefan Alfredsson, prefekt \+46547001668, Giuseppe Caso, Senior Lecturer \+46547002397, Giuseppe Caso, Senior Lecturer \+46547002397, \| Facklig företrädare: Thomas Bragefors, SACO 054\-7001714, OFR/S Fackförbundet ST 054\-7001434, OFR/S Fackförbundet ST 054\-7001434, OFR/S Sveriges lärare 054\-7002113, OFR/S Sveriges lärare 054\-7002113, Per Hurtig, Saco 076\-1011954, \| Publicerat: 2026\-03\-16 \| Sista ansökningsdag: 2026\-04\-13