About the position

The proposed work aims to build on ongoing developments in 3GPP 5G NR-NTN standardization towards a converged and fully virtualised secure 5G-NTN connectivity platform as the enabler for aerial networks and services, such as IFBC (Inflight broadband connectivity), among others. Within this vision, we aim to address the coexistence challenge between ground-based, satellite and other aerial users to enable ultra-high speed, low-latency, and seamless mobility to support personalised services. The planned work aims to target distributed interference coordination and spectrum-beam assignment schemes that will be jointly handled to serve airplanes in a multi-cell scenario taking into account mobility and air-to-ground channel characteristics. The approach will resort to optimization tools such as machine learning techniques and game theory to enable convergence, and consider 3D mobility decentralised deployment and reduced complexity solutions. The works objectives are related to tasks 2 (Requisitos, desafios e arquitectura do sistema MECON) and 3 (NTN em sistemas Beyond-5G).

Your required profile

Candidates must hold a PhD degree/programme in electrical and computer engineering, informatics and telecommunications engineering, or equivalent. The candidates must have general expertise on 5G/6G systems, including satellite connectivity, new radio and 6G developments. This should be complemented by significant experience on Interference Management schemes and modelling, complemented by optimization tools that include game theory (matching, coalition and successive convex approximation) and machine learning (reinforcement and deep learning) The successful candidate must have proven experience on experimental modelling tools such as Matlab or NS2/NS3, supported by strong software programming skills in either Matlab, Python, or C/C++.

Your current track record of scientific publications, and or project involvement, and student supervision complies with the Productivity Criteria in force at Instituto de Telecomunicações, verifiable from your provided CV.

We are offering

We offer a challenging position with the possibility of expanding your career in an inclusive environment, with excellent working conditions, advanced lab facilities, and access to prototyping services. You have the team’s support to publish in high impact Journals and Conferences, you have the possibility to participate in ongoing projects and have access to the team’s network of national and international contacts.

About Instituto de Telecomunicações

Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT) www.it.pt, established in 1992, is one the reference institutions in Portugal, working in Communications and Information Technologies (ICT). With 200+ integrated researchers holding a PhD degree and hosting the research work of 200+ PhD students and 200+ master students, IT has a solid multidisciplinary team, addressing cutting edge topics in ICT, from fundamental to applied research in Wireless Technologies, Optical Technologies, Information and Data Science, Networks and Services, and Basic Sciences and Enabling Technologies.

Research activities are supported by advanced laboratories and are carried out in collaboration with more than 250 international Labs and Institutions. IT is evaluated regularly by an International Panel appointed by the Portuguese Science Foundation and earned the statute of State Laboratory in 1992.

More information at https://www.it.pt/Positions/WhyWorkAtIT

About the Mobile Systems - Av Group

Find detailed information about this research Group at https://www.it.pt/MS-Av

Who can apply and how

Any national, foreign, and stateless candidate(s), holding a PhD in electrical and computer engineering, informatics and telecommunications engineering or other related scientific area and the above specified qualifications, may apply for this position. IT follows an equal employment opportunity policy, ensuring fare decisions based on merit, regardless of race, gender, religion, or disability.

Find further information about the position, including offered conditions, required documentation, and full details of the selection process, at: Page 2

Application submissions are accepted only via the IT online portal at the same URL. The submission period opens on 21-05-2026, until 22-06-2026, 23:59 (UTC+1). No applications or documents will be accepted via email, or by any other means.