PhD Researcher in Resilient Beyond-5G/6G Networks through Zero-touch Network and Service Management

About the University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society.

We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day.

Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.  

What you will do

The Programmable and Intelligent Networks (PIN) team within IDLab, a research group of the University of Antwerp in collaboration with imec, is looking for a full-time (100%) doctoral scholarship holder in Resilient Beyond-5G/6G Networks through Zero-touch Network and Service Management.

The group focuses on:

• Intelligent automation in 5G/6G networks
• AI-driven orchestration and zero-touch management
• Distributed intelligence in the edge–cloud continuum
• Network digital twins for predictive optimization
• 6GApps and network‑application frameworks
• Open RAN, programmable network exposures, and testbed‑driven validation

Our living labs and testbeds host cutting-edge infrastructure, including programmable core networks, edge clusters, private 5G/6G systems, and RAN intelligent control environments. Your work will directly advance our leadership in intelligent 6G application orchestration and AI-driven network functions at the Belgian trial sites in EU projects.

The offered position entails the following:

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis Resilient Beyond-5G/6G Networks through Zero-Touch Network and Service Management. The PhD project will research network architectures for Beyond-5G (B5G) and 6G systems, with a focus on Zero-touch Network and Service Management (ZSM) as a key enabler for autonomous and resilient 6G. 
  The project aims to investigate how network intelligence and automation, distributed core network designs, and AI-driven control loops can improve network robustness, service continuity, and fault tolerance across heterogeneous and multi-domain environments. 
  The PhD candidate will explore innovative mechanisms that enable networks to autonomously mitigate failures and to dynamically adapt to changing conditions, while ensuring reliable service delivery across cloud/edge/terrestrial/non-terrestrial infrastructures. 
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology Department at the Faculty of Applied Engineering of the University of Antwerp.

What we offer

• We offer a full-time position as a doctoral scholarship holder, consisting of an initial period of 12 months, which, after a positive evaluation, can be extended to a total maximum of 48 months.
• The planned start date is July 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.    
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment. 
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Who you are

• You hold a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start. 
• You can demonstrate excellent study results (at least cum laude/with distinction).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision. 
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies. 
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation. 
• You have strong interest in communication networks, distributed systems, or cloud/edge computing.
• You have at least basic programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar).
• You have good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• You have knowledge of 5G or beyond-5G network architectures (preferred).
• You are familiar with virtualization, SDN/NFV, containerization, or orchestration platforms (preferred).
• You have experience with AI/ML for networking or automation (preferred).
• You have experience with experimental platforms or research projects.
• You are proficient in English (written and spoken).

Both young graduates and candidates with a short (industrial) experience are welcome.

Interested

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including April 23, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments: 
• a motivation letter
• your academic CV, including:
  - a transcript of study results
  - two reference letters with appropriate contact details
  - an English proficiency certificate
• a short research proposal aligned with your research interests on Edge Intelligence for 6G Networks. Proposal is max. 4 pages, excluding references
  - The research proposal should include: (i) problem statement & motivation, (ii) expected novelty/impact, (iii) brief approach (models, data/testbeds), (iv) evaluation plan, and (v) alignment with IDLab research on flexible and deterministic networking at the University of Antwerp (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/idlab/research-areas/flexible-deterministic-networking/)
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.

If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. 
If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Dr. Nina Slamnik-Kriještorac, Principal Investigator, Dr. Miguel Camelo, Principal Investigator, or Prof. Johann Marquez-Barja, Full professor.