Doctoral (PhD) student in 6G Wireless Systems and Deterministic Networking

Do you want to help define how future factories communicate? Mid Sweden University is recruiting two PhD candidates for VINES—a Sweden–USA 6G initiative funded by Vinnova, VR, and the NSF. You will join a leading Scandinavian wireless group working at the intersection of 6G, deterministic networking, and industrial automation. Smart manufacturing requires networks that are both ultra-fast and predictably reliable. VINES addresses this by making converged 5G/6G and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) resilient from end to end. Your research will combine ML-based prediction, integrated sensing and communication (ISAC), and deterministic scheduling to prevent production disruptions.

These fully funded four-year positions include a research visit abroad in collaboration with the Universities of Connecticut and Iowa, preparing you for high-level R&D careers in academia or industry.

Job description
As a PhD candidate, your main task is to pursue research and doctoral studies. The positions include 100% research involving theoretical modeling, algorithm development, simulation, and experimental evaluation. You will collaborate on system-level solutions, joint publications, and international conference presentations.

• Research Profile 1: Predictive wireless resilience & perception-driven deterministic scheduling Focuses on dynamic industrial environments: channel-aware proactive resource management, risk-sensitive prediction of wireless disruptions, ISAC-enabled environmental awareness, and closed-loop adaptation to maintain URLLC performance under changing conditions.
• Research Profile 2: Cross-domain deterministic scheduling & end-to-end resource management Focuses on converged wireless and TSN infrastructures: cross-domain scheduling, hierarchical resource partitioning, end-to-end reservation, runtime verification, and localized reconfiguration to maintain bounded latency, jitter, and reliability under changing network conditions.

Entry requirements
General entry requirements include a second-cycle level qualification, or fulfilment of courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits must be at second-cycle level, or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. Specific entry requirements include at least 90 credits in the subject of Computer Engineering or the equivalent knowledge gained in some other way in Sweden or abroad. A Master of Science degree in wireless communication, electrical engineering, signal processing, computer engineering, engineering physics, or a closely related field is an appropriate background for these positions. 

Assessment criteria
Selection is based on your academic record, degree thesis, coursework, research experience, programming skills, and interview performance. Excellent written/spoken English is mandatory for both positions, alongside strong simulation skills (C/C++, Python, MATLAB, or equivalent).

• Profile 1 (Wireless Resilience): Desirable background in wireless communications, RRM, optimization, signal processing, or ML. Experience with 5G/6G, URLLC, ISAC, or adaptive resource allocation is meritorious.
• Profile 2 (Deterministic Networking): Desirable background in computer networks, real-time/deterministic networking, scheduling, or distributed systems. Experience with TSN, network calculus, wireless-TSN convergence, or resource orchestration is meritorious.

Personal qualities
We are looking for candidates who demonstrate strong collaborative skills to thrive in an international, multi-institutional project. You should be proactive, take initiative in driving your research forward, and show the ability to work independently while remaining aligned with team goals. A structured approach to systematic research, strong analytical problem-solving, and clear communication skills are essential to engage effectively with both academic partners and industry collaborators.

Other assessment criteria 
Excellent written and spoken English skills are required to communicate effectively in an international research environment. Proficient programming and simulation skills relevant to network or wireless modeling are essential. As the project involves close international collaboration, the candidate must be willing and eligible to undertake international travel and research visits (including to the USA).

Employment process
Processing of the appointment will comply with the provisions in Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance, and will be carried out in accordance with Mid Sweden University’s Employment Procedures. 

Terms of employment
The doctoral studentship position corresponds to four years of full-time studies and is expected to lead to a Degree of Doctor. The entry date is 01-11-2026 or as agreed.

Initial doctoral student positions are valid for a maximum of one year, after which the position may be renewed by no longer than two years at a time. Provisions regarding doctoral studentship employment can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7. 

Place of employment: Sundsvall

Salary: In accordance with Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students.  

Information
For further information about the research positions, please contact Prof. Mikael Gidlund (mikael.gidlund@miun.se) or Assoc. Prof. Aamir Mahmood (aamir.mahmood@miun.se). 

For questions concerning the department, please contact Patrik Österberg, Head of Department (patrik.osterberg@miun.se). 

Application
Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English. 

Application documents must be submitted in Swedish or English. The application should include a verified CV, copies of official transcripts and degree certificates, a brief description of the applicant’s research interests and motivation for doctoral studies, and any other documents the applicant would like to refer to.

Applicants should clearly state whether they are primarily interested in Research profile 1, Research profile 2, or both. 

Please send in your application through our recruitment system no later than 30-09-2026. 

Mid Sweden University, with campuses in both Sundsvall and Östersund, is a university where students, colleagues, and the surrounding community are always close at hand. At the same time, we are located near the sea, forests, and mountains, creating excellent conditions for a high quality of life. Here, new knowledge is generated through internationally successful research and education that contribute to societal development. In this way, we help create a sustainable future and a better world. As an employee at Mid Sweden University, you should be able to combine work and leisure and maintain a healthy work-life balance. We offer, among other things, flexible working hours, support for wellness activities, salary supplementation during parental leave and illness, and a generous number of vacation days. Mid Sweden University actively promotes equal opportunities and strives to make the most of the qualities that diversity and gender equality bring to the organization. Salaries are determined in accordance with the central collective salary agreements RALS/RALS-T. Your personal data will be processed and stored in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). We welcome questions from those interested in working with us, but kindly decline offers relating to advertising and recruitment services.

• Contract type

  Full time

• First day of employment

  01-11-2026 or as agreed

• Salary

  Mid Sweden University’s salary scale for doctoral students

• Number of positions

  2

• Working hours

  100%

• City

  Sundsvall

• County

  Västernorrlands län

• Country

  Sweden

• Reference number

  MIUN 2026/1965

• Union representative
  • Per Bergman, Fackförbundet ST, 010-1428371
  • Börje Norlin, Saco, 010-1428594
• Published

  2026-08-25

• Last application date

  2026-09-30