Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces) - Tampereen yliopisto - Tampere, Finland

Tampere University and Tampere University of Applied Sciences create a unique environment for multidisciplinary, inspirational and high-impact research and education. Our universities community has its competitive edges in technology, health and society. www.tuni.fi/en The research group of Wireless Systems at the Electrical Engineering Unit at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University focuses on next-generation wireless communication systems and standards. Our research spans fundamental theory, algorithm design, system-level analysis, and practical implementations for 6G and beyond wireless technologies. We work on a broad range of topics, including advanced physical layer design, multiple-antenna systems, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, integrated sensing and communications, non-terrestrial and UAV networks, physical layer security, quantum-enabled communications, semantic and AI-native wireless systems, and energy-efficient/low-power communication. Our vision is to develop disruptive wireless technologies that enable secure, intelligent, sustainable, and highly connected future networks for terrestrial, aerial, space, industrial, and defense applications. In Autumn 2026, we will start a 3-year NSF-Research Council of Finland collaborative project “FORMULA3: Framework for Optimal Resource Management Using Generalizable AI in FR3 Dynamic Programmable Wireless Environments”. FORMULA3 targets the FR3 upper mid-band (7-24 GHz), which is being explored for 6G to support high-throughput and low-latency indoor and outdoor-to-indoor wireless connectivity. The project develops AI-native and ISAC-enhanced resource management methods for programmable wireless environments, including reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, metallic reflector arrays, and stacked intelligent metasurfaces. JOB DESCRIPTION We are now looking for a postdoctoral researcher to join our team and contribute to the project FORMULA3, which develops generalizable AI-based resource management methods for dynamic FR3 programmable wireless environments. The work will focus on theoretical modeling, algorithm design, simulations, experimental validation, and testbed-oriented research for 6G wireless systems. Depending on the applicant's expertise and interests, the work may include: - Developing models and methods for FR3 programmable wireless environments and RIS-aided communications. - Working on channel characterization, measurement-based modeling, and dataset generation for dynamic indoor and outdoor-to-indoor scenarios. - Investigating ISAC-derived context awareness and generalizable learning for robust wireless optimization. - Performing analytical work, simulations, and performance comparisons using suitable wireless and AI tools. - Contributing to testbed development, measurement campaigns, and validation of FR3 RIS-based communication concepts when relevant. - Preparing high-quality scientific publications and contributing to project reporting and dissemination. Participation in project management, mentoring of Ph.D. students, and supervision of thesis projects is expected. The job requires occasional travel to international conferences to disseminate research results. International research visits to other universities or research institutes are also possible. REQUIREMENTS Successful candidates hold a Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering, wireless communications, or similar, and are familiar with physical layer wireless communications. They possess strong theoretical, practical, and/or programming skills and can demonstrate previous experience relevant to the tasks they are applying for. The position also requires: - At least three publications in top IEEE ComSoc journals (IEEE TCOM, IEEE TWC, IEEE CL, IEEE WCL, IEEE TVT etc.) as the main contributing author - Strong background in at least one of the following areas: physical-layer wireless communications, RIS or programmable wireless environments, FR3/upper-mid-band or mmWave channel modeling or measurements, AI/ML for wireless communications. - Good English language skills - Ability to independently conduct systematic scientific research - Ability to work in a team and communicate clearly in a multidisciplinary and international environment WE OFFER The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 24 months with the possibility of extension. The starting date will be mutually agreed upon but can be as early as October 1st, 2026. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees. The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee's personal performance in accordance with the Finnish University Salary System. The salary of a postdoctoral researcher is at levels 5-6. A typical starting salary for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow is 4000 EUR per month. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. International HR services offer their help with e.g. official issues in settling in Finland and Tampere. HOW TO APPLY Please submit your application through our online recruitment system. The closing date for applications is 3.8.2026 (UTC +3 / EEST). Applications and all accompanying documentation must be in English.