PhD Robust and Explainable ML Methods in Wireless System

Are you intrigued by the potential of machine learning (ML) in real-world applications? Do you want to contribute to the development of trustworthy and explainable ML models that shape the future of wireless systems? Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a PhD position with societal impact, focusing on Robust and Explainable Machine Learning Methods in Wireless Systems.

Job description

Machine learning is increasingly shaping the future of wireless communication systems, enabling adaptive networks, resource optimization, and intelligent decision-making. However, while ML models excel at capturing complex patterns, they often operate as black boxes, making their predictions difficult to interpret. This lack of transparency hinders their adoption in use-cases where trust and reliability are essential.
 
Explainable ML (XML) techniques aim to provide insights into model behaviour, enabling experts to understand, trust, and refine ML-driven wireless systems. However, existing XML methods often face challenges in robustness, generalization, and domain adaptation. This PhD project will explore and develop new techniques that enhance both the explainability and reliability of ML models in dynamic wireless environments.
 
As part of the ANT MSCA Doctoral School, you’ll collaborate with renowned international researchers and industry experts from organizations including NXP, ABB, Philips, and IMEC. This position offers a highly supportive research environment, a competitive salary, access to leading-edge research facilities, and a tailored soft-skills program designed to help you thrive in academia and beyond.
 
You'll be joining an inclusive, interdisciplinary team that explores groundbreaking solutions for wireless systems. We encourage diverse perspectives and believe that innovation flourishes in a collaborative, open-minded setting. Whether your strengths lie in theory (optimization, machine learning, signal processing) or hands-on work (software-defined radios, prototyping), you’ll find the space to grow and develop your expertise.
 
This position also includes two exciting international research visits:

• Four months at ABB, where you will collaborate on multi-modal embedded ML solutions.
• Three months at the University of Reading, where you will work with Prof. Chen on robust ML design.

 
Your home base will be the Embedded Systems group at TU Delft, where you’ll be supervised by Dr. Arash Asadi, head of the Wireless Communication and Sensing LAB (WISE). As part of this collaborative and diverse research group, you’ll work alongside academic staff, fellow PhD candidates, and postdocs who share a passion for advancing network science. We prioritize knowledge-sharing, mutual support, and professional 

Job requirements

Required expertise:
We are looking for candidates with a background in at least one of the following domains in the context of wireless communications:

• RF engineering/software-defined radios
•  Signal processing for wireless sensing
•  A solid understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and explainability techniques

 
General requirements:

•  Programming skills in one or more of the following languages:  Rust, MATLAB, Python
•  Good communication skills 
•  Meeting  English language proficiency of TU Delft (more info here: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/tpm/our-faculty/departments/values-technology-and-innovation/news-media/vacancies/external-contract-phd-student-or-visiting-scholar-at-vti/proof-of-english-proficiency)

 
Conditions of international mobility of researchers: 
Researchers are required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. At the time of selection by the TU Delft, the candidate must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science 

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science. 

Conditions of employment 
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Arash Asadi, via a.asadi@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than April 6, 2025 via the application button and upload your application in one PDF containing:

1. A cover letter in which you explicitly state your topic of interest, the research plan, and why you find yourself a suitable candidate for this topic (max. 800 words). 

2. Resume/CV including:

• The applicant's educational and research background, 
• Professional skills, 
• List of publications, and 
• Two reference letters

3. Copies of your BSc and MSc degrees and transcripts.

4. Names and contact information of at least three relevant references.    

Applications will be evaluated as they come in, so please apply as soon as possible.
 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.