PhD scholarship in End-to-End Learning for Communication over Nonlinear Fiber-Optic Channel - DTU Electro

DTU Electro invites applications for a position as a PhD student in machine learning enabled fibre-optic communication systems employing multi-core fibres within the Villum Investigator program “Power efficient fiber-optic communication (POPCOM). The position is focused on developing machine learning frameworks, in terms of constellation and pulse-shaping, as well as equalization for mitigating transmission impairments associated with data transmission though a nonlinear fiber-optic channel. The focus will be on energy-efficient solutions. The start date is May 1, 2025 or according to mutual agreement. 

We seek a motivated, curious, and outgoing PhD candidate with a solid background in fiber-optics, communication engineering and machine learning. Experience with application of machine learning to communication systems and experimental work is a plus.

The project goal is to develop robust transmitter and receiver architectures that can enable distortion-free transmission through a nonlinear fiber-optic channel. The project will cover both algorithm development as well as experimental implementations. 

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

• Machine learning techniques for design of fiber-optic communication systems 
• Development of physical system models and data driven model 
• Realization of experimental procedures for test of the developed frameworks 
• Building fiber-optic transmission systems 
• Investigating transmission performance in practical test-beds 

As a PhD candidate at DTU, you will take part in an educational program of 30 ECTS tailored to your needs on technical subjects, as well as on the “soft skills” needed for a successful career either in industry or academia

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your tasks will include research into novel machine learning based methods for mitigation of impairments associated with using an optical fibre as a transmission medium.

More specifically, the focus will be on minimizing the nonlinear interference using energy-efficient signal processing based solutions. The overall goal will be to maximize the information rate and the transmission distance given the energy-consumption constraint.  Specifically, you will focus on the following areas:

• Gradient based learning for signal symbol and pulse shaping 
• Model-free reinforcement learning signal pre-distortion strategies 
• Extracting the relevant information from correlation matrices 
• Maintenance of the GitHub repository for the developed code 
• Organizing and managing joint experiments with the collaboration groups

You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by Professor Darko Zibar, the head of the Machine Learning in Photonics group. 

Approval and Enrolment  
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
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 appointment terms
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 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information  
Further information may be obtained from Professor Darko Zibar, [email protected] .

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 . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 28 March (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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

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. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

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. Light and electronics - photons and electrons - are the key bits of tomorrows sustainable society. Where they meet, change is made.

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.