DTU Electro invites applications for 2-year postdoc position funded by the HORIZON-RIA Intent and Context-Aware Optical Networks (ICON) project. The main goal of the project is to build a new generation of optical networks, in which sensing is designed as an integral part of overall system architecture. The objective behind the project is to enable communication networks that offer sensing for a wide range of sensing applications in diverse areas such as geological disturbances, global weather and oceanographic phenomena, and urban mobility. As an integral part of future communications systems, the ICON will develop new tools for optimizing transmission and sensing performance of future optical networks. 

The position is focused on a building experimental test-bed and developing machine learning algorithms for fiber-based sensing of temperature, strain and vibrations. The focus will be on the implementation of data generation, noise reduction and data compression algorithms. The start date is flexible, but preferably before March 1, 2025.

Responsibilities and qualifications
We seek a motivated, curious, and outgoing postdoc candidate with a solid background in fiber-sensing or fiber-optic/quantum communication. Experience with machine learning, digital signal processing is needed. Experience with the experimental work is a plus. The project goal is to explore matched filtering and time-waveform shaping to increase signal-to-noise ratio of the sensing based systems. The project will cover both algorithm development as well as experimental implementations. Throughout the project, a close collaboration with ADTRAN NETWORKS and Friedrich – Alexander University in Erlangen is envisioned.

Your tasks will include research into machine learning methods for efficient processing of large-amounts of sensor data, system modelling and techniques for enhancing the sensitivity of fiber-optic sensor networks. Specifically, you will focus on the following areas:

• Generative models for system modelling and their verifications with experimental data
• Machine learning techniques such as: deep neural networks, Bayesian filtering, reinforcement learning, evolutionary algorithms, numerical optimization 
• Bayesian estimation for sensitivity enhancement   
• Maintenance of the GitHub repository for the developed code 
• Organizing and managing joint experiments with the collaboration groups
• Project lead and reporting

As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). Eligible candidates should have a PhD degree in telecommunication or photonics engineering. Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated task, as well as excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, are highly desired.

The ICON project is highly multi-disciplinary, spanning areas of fiber-sensing, optical networks optimization, optical transmission and monitoring. The project will be used to convert knowledge and ideas into new products, and services for economic and social benefit. 

We offer an opportunity to develop expertise in various domains, including but not limited to:

• Generative models for emulation of various sensing events
• Autoencoders for dimensionality reduction and feature extraction
• Realization of experimental test-beds 
• Machine learning techniques for noise suppression 
• Multi-dimensional optimization techniques 

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 2 years. The start date is flexible, but preferably before March 1, 2025.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Professor Darko Zibar, dazi@dtu.dk.

You can read more about DTU Electro at https://electro.dtu.dk/. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 November 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications - up to three most important publication 
• H-index, and ORCID (see e.g. http://orcid.org/)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

At DTU Electro, we combine the immense possibilities of electrical and photonics engineering. Our research is, among other things, used in the healthcare sector for diagnostics, treatment and improving the quality of life. We research into the development of more sustainable energy systems, safer autonomous systems and a faster, greener and more secure internet.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.