Senior Staff Research/Standardization Specialist in Cambridge

Research & Innovation is seeking ambitious and highly engaged radio protocol layer Radio Research and Standardization Specialists to join our Protocol Layer Standardization & Research team. In this role, you will drive 6G research and standardization, lead innovation for 6G radio interface, radio protocols and measurements, and shape radio resource management requirements, ensuring Nokia’s continued leadership in wireless research.

How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn

• Lead end‑to‑end 6G radio protocol or UE RRM research and standardization on at least one of the following areas:
• Control plane aspects including RRC protocol architecture and design, integrating AI enablers and a future‑proof AI framework for RRC states, spectrum aggregation, mobility, flexible UL/DL, device type, and UE capability design.
• User plane design for MAC, PDCP, SDAP, RLC, QoS and service, and AI awareness.
• Interactions between MAC and physical layer such as L2 procedures for HARQ, scheduling, MIMO, and AI enablers.
• UE measurements and requirements for radio resource management.
• Evaluation of performance of proposed innovations through link‑level or system‑level simulations.
• Act as a Nokia researcher on one of the above‑mentioned areas, responsible for technical contributions, concept development, simulations, and aligning standardization research with Nokia's 6G priorities.
• Act as Nokia’s delegate representative to 3GPP RAN2 or RAN4 (UE RRM), taking ownership of technical contributions, agenda shaping, consensus building, and aligning standardization outcomes with Nokia’s 6G research and business priorities.
• Develop pioneering 6G intellectual property in the radio protocol domain.
• Embed AI‑first principles into 6G standards research.
• Represent and champion Nokia’s technical leadership in 3GPP and external research forums, advocating next‑generation radio protocol design and architectures.
• Shape Nokia’s 6G technology and standards strategy, contributing to long‑term research roadmaps for radio protocols on user plane, control plane, or UE radio resource management, aligned with business and ecosystem priorities.
• Collaborate closely with physical layer, radio performance, RF, regulatory, and system teams to ensure coherent evolution from research concepts to product‑relevant technologies.

Key Skills and Experience

• Strong system‑level expertise in 5G and/or emerging 6G systems.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, communications, signal processing, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of radio access systems and associated technology challenges.
• Solid grasp of radio product portfolios and wireless business strategy.
• Familiarity with AI‑driven research methodologies, including data‑driven and agentic workflows.
• Prior 3GPP standardization experience.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective 3GPP delegate or researcher, including technical authority, preparation and delivery of high‑quality contributions, active meeting participation, and coordination across internal stakeholders to form coherent Nokia positions.

Ideal Background

• 5+ years of research experience in 6G‑relevant radio topics.
• Proven track record in concept development, performance evaluation, and technical leadership in complex research programs and/or in standards development organizations such as 3GPP.
• Solid knowledge of methods to analyze and optimize performance of wireless systems, with hands‑on experience developing tools such as link‑level and/or system‑level simulators.
• Experience working in multinational and cross‑cultural environments.
• Strong ability to operate in highly complex, innovation‑driven organizations.
• Proactive in scouting, assessing, and applying state‑of‑the‑art research results.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Personal Attributes

• Strong technical depth combined with influencing and communication skills.
• Excellent networking and collaboration abilities across organizational boundaries.
• Open‑minded, adaptable, and resilient in fast‑evolving research and standardization environments.
• Analytical and structured, capable of cutting through complexity and prioritizing effectively.
• Passion for continuous learning and professional growth.
• Strong results orientation and willingness to take on new challenges.

About Us

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era, advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Recruitment Process and Equal Opportunity

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect and encourage individuals who may not meet every listed requirement to apply if they bring unique backgrounds and skills.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid working schemes.
• A minimum of 90 days of maternity and paternity leave, with the option to return within a year after birth or adoption.
• Life insurance for all employees.
• Well‑being programs to support mental and physical health.
• Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs).
• Employee Growth Solutions to support personalized career and skills development.
• Diverse pool of coaches and mentors with easy access.
• A learning environment that promotes personal growth and professional development, both for your role and beyond.