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Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology :
Institute of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems
In order to fill a fixed-term position in full-time (39.83 hours/week = 100%) at the earliest possible date, we are looking for a
Researcher on NTN, HAPs, Space-Air Edge Computing, and Autonomous UAV Communications (m/f/x)
The Institute of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems is dedicated to advancing autonomous, energy-efficient cloud-based networks that support cutting-edge services and innovations. We are assembling a talented international team committed to pioneering research and teaching in this dynamic field.
We are looking for a highly motivated researcher to join an ambitious research program aimed at developing the next generation of intelligent non-terrestrial and aerial communication networks. The position addresses the fundamental challenge of how Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs), satellites, aerial platforms, terrestrial cellular networks, and distributed edge-computing resources can be jointly orchestrated to provide resilient, low-latency, energy-efficient, and autonomous connectivity for cellular-connected Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and future space-air-ground integrated networks. The researcher will join the Institute of Networked Energy-Efficient Systems at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Ruhr University Bochum. This is a full-time position with immediate availability.
Scope: full-time
Duration: fixed-term, 3 years
Start: at the earliest possible date
Apply by: 2026-10-05
Your tasks:
- Design and develop novel architectures for integrated terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks spanning satellites, HAPs, UAVs, terrestrial cellular systems, and distributed edge-cloud infrastructures.
- Investigate edge computing in space and air, including dynamic computation offloading, service placement, distributed processing, and resource orchestration across highly mobile and heterogeneous platforms.
- Develop innovative radio and network resource management mechanisms for cellular-connected UAV communications, considering three-dimensional mobility, interference, coverage, energy, latency, and reliability constraints.
- Design autonomous network management and orchestration mechanisms for UAV communications, including intent-driven control, closed-loop optimization, self-configuration, self-healing, and adaptive mobility-aware connectivity.
- Explore AI- and learning-based approaches for network optimization, traffic prediction, mobility management, handover, beam management, resource allocation, and autonomous decision making in space-air-ground networks.
- Develop digital twin frameworks for NTN, HAPs, aerial networks, and cellular-connected UAV systems, integrating communication, mobility, computation, and energy models.
- Prototype and experimentally validate proposed solutions using network and system-level simulation platforms, software-defined infrastructures, edge-cloud testbeds, and, where applicable, UAV and wireless communication platforms.
- Collaborate closely with researchers working on wireless communications, 5G/6G networks, NTN, satellite and aerial networks, edge-cloud computing, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and network orchestration.
- Participate in interdisciplinary research projects involving both academic and industrial partners.
- Publish research findings in leading conferences and journals in wireless communications, networking, mobile computing, edge-cloud computing, autonomous systems, and 5G/6G technologies.
- Contribute to research project planning, execution, reporting, and proposal preparation.
- Assist in the supervision of student projects and junior researchers.
- Support teaching activities in areas related to wireless and mobile communications, 5G/6G systems, non-terrestrial networks, cloud-edge computing, distributed systems, and autonomous network management.
- Support the organization of outreach activities related to the Institute’s research activities.
Your profile:
- Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related field.
- Prior publications in renowned transactions, journals, and the proceedings of reputable conferences are highly desirable and advantageous.
- Wireless Communications and Mobile Networks, 5G/6G Radio Access Networks and Core Networks, Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), Satellite Communications, and High-Altitude Platforms (HAPs)
- UAV Communications, Aerial Networks, and Three-Dimensional Mobility Management, Distributed Systems, Cloud-Edge Computing, and Edge Computing in Space and Air
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Communication Networks, Radio Resource Management, Interference Management, Beam Management, and Mobility/Handover Optimization
- Autonomous Network Management, Network Orchestration, and Closed-Loop Control, Optimization, Reinforcement Learning, and Decision-Making Algorithms
- Familiarity with frameworks and tools such as ns-3, OMNeT++, MATLAB, Python, PyTorch, Kubernetes, Docker, OpenAirInterface, srsRAN, or related communication and edge-computing platforms
- Knowledge of 3GPP 5G/5G-Advanced and emerging 6G technologies, including NTN specifications and cellular-connected UAV communications, is highly desirable.
- Ability to independently and proactively design, execute, and analyse experimental research., Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong scientific writing and communication abilities , Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary and international teams , Strong motivation to pursue high-impact research
We offer:
Employment at one of the largest universities in Germany within the University Alliance Ruhr, A workplace in a green environment with direct access to the botanical garden of Ruhr University Bochum, A job in the heart of the lively Ruhr metropolitan region with its diverse cultural offerings, A varied sports program with around 100 sport disciplines and the university's own gym
- Engaging and challenging tasks with significant responsibility in a cutting-edge research environment.
- Collaborative and supportive team culture within a friendly work environment.
- Extensive training and professional development opportunities.
- Discounts on local transportation services, bicycle programs, and sports facilities.
Further information:
The position is salaried and based on the collective agreement of the Länder (TV-L). If the personal and collective agreement requirements are met, the employee will receive pay grade E13 TV-L.
Further information can be found at (in German).
The place of work is Ruhr University Bochum.
The load of teaching will be calculated according to § 3 of Lehrverpflichtungsverordnung (state of North Rhine-Westphalia).
Interested candidates should submit the following documents: • A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience and publications (if any). • A cover letter outlining research interests and career goals. • A sample(s) of recent research work (e.g., publication - if any, thesis excerpt).
RUB sees itself as a university with an international presence. The campus languages are German and English. Competence in at least one of the two languages and the willingness to learn the other are a prerequisite. RUB provides corresponding free courses for employees.
German language courses are offered by the University Language Center (ZFA) in the field of German as a Foreign Language (DaF). https://www.daf.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/daf/mitarbeitende/index.html.en
The Staff Council has the right to participate in all selection interviews. At the request of a candidate (m/f/x), it will ensure its participation in the entire procedure. Please contact wpr@rub.de.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum is one of Germany’s leading research universities, addressing the whole range of academic disciplines. A highly dynamic setting enables researchers and students to work across the traditional boundaries of academic subjects and faculties. To create knowledge networks within and beyond the university is Ruhr-Universität Bochum’s declared aim.
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum stands for diversity and equal opportunities. For this reason, we favour a working environment composed of heterogeneous teams, and seek to promote the careers of individuals who are underrepresented in our respective professional areas. The Ruhr-Universität Bochum expressly requests job applications from women. In areas in which they are underrepresented they will be given preference in the case of equivalent qualifications with male candidates. Applications from individuals with disabilities are most welcome.
Contact persons for further information:
Tom Schockenhoff , Tel.: +49 234 32
Travel costs, accommodation costs and loss of earnings or other application costs for job interviews can unfortunately not be reimbursed.
We look forward to receiving your application via our online application portal by 2026-10-05. Please make sure to mention the reference number ANR 6117.
RUHR-UNIVERSITÄT BOCHUM
44801 Bochum
Universitätsstraße 150
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