Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Scholarship, ref no LTU-3944-2017 Luleå University of Technology is the northernmost University of Technology in Scandinavia, with its main campus in Luleå, and education in a variety of disciplines. The Department of Computer Science, Electrical and Space Engineering hosts nine research disciplines, among which that of Signal Processing. Research in signal processing pertains to the areas of measurement technology and wireless communications, and is carried out in close cooperation with industrial and societal partners. We now announce a post-doctoral scholarship. BACKGROUND
Covering almost one quarter of Sweden’s surface and with roughly a quarter of a million residents, Norrbotten County is sparsely inhabited and ubiquitous provision of high-quality broadband connectivity is a recognized societal challenge. Last year the Swedish government issued new strategic goals for 2025 not only for fixed access but also for (areal) mobile broadband coverage, goals that are particularly ambitious for the Swedish rural regions and Norrbotten. Meanwhile, there is no broad consensus about the actual connectivity quality in the county, neither in relation to more densely populated regions in the south nor with proper nuances across the county itself. While the state of broadband connectivity in Sweden is annually monitored by the Swedish national regulator, the Norrbotten County Council is currently performing a massive geo-data collection project, where geo-tagged quality indicators of GSM, 3G and LTE networks are being collected in all of Norrbotten’s fourteen municipalities. Beyond these measurements, GIS-data for fixed fiber networks in Norrbotten is available. There is a strong need for giving this data both context and meaning. Where are connectivity white spots, weaknesses? Where are infrastructural investments most likely to pay off? Availability of a growing number of databases that provide geo-tagged societal indicators (roads, railways, residential, work and mobility data, etc.) can play a key role. How such societal parameters correlate with the geographical digital connectivity is not well understood today, and yet essential for planning and steering any further regional actions. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project resides at the intersection of the areas of data analysis, radio systems technology, and societal sciences. Its goal is, on one hand, to provide quantitative, solid input on fixed and mobile broadband connectivity and, on the other, to gain new understanding in the relation of rural broadband connectivity, the rolling-out of cellular networks and underlying geographical societal parameters. The project will assess the GIS measurement data resulting in quantitative conclusions about the state of Norrbotten’s connectivity. It will also provide insights and answers on how broadband connectivity correlates with relevant societal data and values. We are looking for an ambitious and creative colleague who wants to contribute to cutting edge research in signal processing oriented towards the above profile area. The candidate will take a central role in this research project. The scholarship is primarily research-oriented, but with possibilities for the candidates to be involved in limited teaching activities at the department. The candidate will have the possibility to participate in on-going activities for securing future funding of existing and new research projects, and publish the research results in internationally renowned journals and at international scientific conferences. The research will be carried out in collaboration with the Norrbotten County Council. QUALIFICATIONS
To qualify for a position as a postdoctoral research fellow, you must have a PhD, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD or doctoral degree. For this scholarship a Ph.D. in signal processing, wireless communications, mathematical statistics or in related topics is highly meriting. Candidates should have a good mastering of the English language, both orally and in writing. The candidate should have experience with processing and visualisation of raw statistical data using Matlab. Experience with spatial analysis of GPS and other vehicle-derived datasets, including integration with street networks, production of summary statistics, and combination with complementary datasets is meriting. GIS analyses, and summary data for a non-specialist audience is also meriting such as production of high-quality static, animated and/or interactive visualisations appropriate to the dataset and the project needs. Priority will be given to candidates who have completed their Ph.D. within three years prior to the application deadline. If there are special circumstances (leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, trade union duties, or similar), the Ph.D. can have been completed earlier. Applicants who are very close to finishing a PhD are also encouraged to apply. The scholarship is for one year. INFORMATION
For further information, please contact Prof. Jaap van de Beek (+46920493383, email jaap.vandebeek@ltu.se) or Dr. Rickard Nilsson (+46920491594, email rickard.o.nilsson@ltu.se). Union representatives: SACO-Daina Dagis Daina.Dagis@ltu.se , +46 (0)920-493880 OFR- Lars Frisk, Lars.Frisk@ltu.se +46 (0)920-491792 Luleå University of Technology is actively working on equality and diversity that contributes to a creative study- and work environment. The University’s core values are based on respect, trust, openness and responsibility. In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence. APPLICATION
We prefer that you apply for this scholarship by clicking on the link below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of relevant university diplomas. Your application must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below. Deadline for application: 2018-01-21

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