ANCHOR Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Candidate TLNT1_NI in Belfast

ANCHOR has meticulously designed fifteen doctoral projects that focus on cutting-edge innovations in optical, radio, and THz wireless communications and the harmonisation of coexisting spectra and networks. Through these efforts, ANCHOR will not only deepen fundamental theories but also provide practical, scalable solutions to improve 3D coverage, mobility, latency, network capacity, energy efficiency, and suitability for the future telecommunications infrastructure.

By fostering cross-sector/cross-border collaboration in next-generation communication systems and digital infrastructure, ANCHOR will contribute significantly to the Horizon Europe priorities under the Digital, Industry, and Space Cluster. The project also directly supports the EU's Digital Decade goals by driving the development of sustainable, high-capacity communication networks, contributing to Europe's leadership in the digital economy.

ANCHOR's doctoral candidates will be guided by leading experts from academia and industry through well-structured projects, secondments, and training activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that the candidates acquire the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required to address real-world challenges, drive innovation in wireless networks, and develop promising personal careers.

ANCHOR consortium is looking for highly motivated, outstanding doctoral candidates (DCs) with the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to contribute to the innovation and technological advancement of next-generation communication networks. DCs enrolled in the program will have opportunities to work and collaborate with world-leading researchers from the consortium partners, participate in secondments across academia and industry, and develop a comprehensive skill set through a well-structured training program and cross-sector supervision, which will prepare them for successful careers in both academic and industrial environments.

At Queen's University Belfast, DCs commence the research by developing the QML algorithms (e.g., QLSTM, quantum neuromorphic computing) for channel estimation with high-dimensional data in the wireless network with high dynamics caused by user requirements, sophisticated propagations, and diverse spectrums. Then, the DC will develop the data-inspired quantum circuits and models and benchmark their performance with respect to complexity, generalisability, and speed. Finally, the DC will work on optimising the QML algorithms, e.g., minimising qubit requirements, reducing pilot overhead and training data size, reducing channel data dimension, and improving the computational footprint and model generalisability.

About The Person

To be considered for the position, candidates are required to have a suitable degree in a relevant field of study, must not already hold a doctoral degree, and must be able to demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge. Full details of the criteria are given below in the list of essential and desirable criteria.

The MSCA funding of this position has the additional requirement that DCs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of recruiting beneficiary (i.e. the UK for DC2.5 and DC3.5) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.