WICON Research Openings

Postdoc Opening in Machine Learning for Next-generation Wireless Communications

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Arizona invites candidates for a postdoctoral position in the area of machine learning for next-generation wireless communications. The selected candidate will be a part of and contribute to the WISPER Center (Center for Wireless Innovation towards Secure, Pervasive, Efficient, and Resilient Next G Networks) and the Wireless Communications and Networking (WICON) group at the University of Arizona. WISPER is a recently inaugurated NSF Industry University Research Cooperative Center (IUCRC), a partnership that includes several universities and industry members. 

Candidates must have a Ph.D. degree in EE/ECE/CS or a related discipline by the start date and must demonstrate experience in one or more of the following areas (as evidenced by research publications):

  • Applied AI and machine learning techniques, including experience with generative AI, reinforcement learning, transfer learning, federated learning, and/or ML-based signal intelligence. Proficiency with at least one high-level deep learning software library (TensorFlow/Keras, PyTorch, MXNet, etc.) is expected.
  • Communications protocols for wireless systems below 6 GHz (e.g., Wi-Fi, LTE, 5G) and/or millimeter-wave and sub-THz bands, including beamforming and precoding techniques.
  • Physical- and MAC-layer wireless security, including modeling of adversarial signals, LPI signal detection, characterization of mimics and rogue transmissions, obfuscation techniques, channel-based authentication, security and privacy for spectrum sharing and access, and next-generation cellular network security.

The initial appointment is for 1-2 years (depending on the candidate's preference and availability of funding), with possible extension for additional years and/or elevation to career-track assistant/associate research professor rank. The target starting date is January 15, 2025.

Interested individuals should submit by email a detailed CV, a research statement, and the names of at least three references to Prof. Marwan Krunz (krunz@arizona.edu). Only PDF attachments will be accepted. The subject field of the email message should indicate ‘Postdoctoral Position’. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Inquiries should be directed to krunz@arizona.edu. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Related Links:

UA ECE Dept.: https://www.ece.arizona.edu

WICON Lab: https://wireless.ece.arizona.edu

Graduate Research Assistantships for Ph.D. Students

We are continuously looking for highly motivated Ph.D. students to be a part of our group as graduate research assistants (GRAs) and pursue their Ph.D.’s in wireless networking. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: 5G cellular systems and beyond; mmWave channel characterization and networking protocols; cybersecurity, especially for wireless systems; spectrum sharing and dynamic spectrum access (DSA); cognitive/agile radios; theory-inspired resource management in wireless systems (e.g., game theory, machine learning,  stochastic optimization, etc.); MIMO communications, full-duplex transmissions, WLAN/802.11 protocols, energy management and harvesting for sensor networks; IoT security, protocols, and communications; and cloud/edge computing. Funding priority is given to candidates with M.S. thesis in one of the above areas (or who are expected to receive their M.S. degree by the time they join the group), with preference to those who published in international conferences and/or journals. Highly exceptional candidates who only hold a B.S. degree may be considered under the "direct Ph.D." track (see the requirements of this track on the department’s web page). New hires can start in the fall or spring semester.

If you are interested, please contact Professor Krunz by email (krunz@arizona.edu), providing all of the following documents in PDF format only:

  1. Curriculum Vitae, including GRE and TOEFL scores.
  2. Graduate and undergraduate transcripts.
  3. One representative publication, if applicable.
  4. Abstract of M.S. thesis, if applicable.

To receive attention, your email inquiry MUST say 'Prospective PhD Candidate' in the subject field (otherwise, it will not be read).

Note that to be considered for a GRA, an applicant will need to satisfy the University of Arizona admission requirements, which include Graduate College and ECE requirements. Such requirements can be found on the department web page. Each GRA appointment provides a monthly stipend, tuition coverage, and health insurance.