PhD Position Polarimetric MIMO Arrays for Automotive Radars

Join us as a PhD student in this prestigious project, leading the way in the development and implementation of state-of-the-art automotive radar technology! Your research will improve overall safety in transportation and dramatically reduce the amount of traffic accidents!

Job description
Constantly evolving advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) demand radar sensors with classification capabilities of detected objects. As demonstrated in other remote sensing applications, polarization of electromagnetic field carries important information to separate different classes of scatterers. However, polarimetry has not been used yet in automotive radars.

This project aims to solve fundamental challenges when using polarimetry in automotive radars. This includes the development of the theory and the development of procedures for polarimetric MIMO arrays and their calibration. The novel idea in POMAAR is to develop a dedicated experiment for polarimetric measurements of MIMO arrays and use it for extraction of polarimetric properties of various targets. With its interdisciplinary nature, POMAAR aims to synthesize innovative sparse array topologies for automotive radar antennas at 77-81GHz to improve performance, reliability and robustness of vulnerable road users classification.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on polarimetric arrays and MIMO array topologies, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
• Develop simulator of target polarimetric properties measurements with MIMO arrays.
• Design antenna elements and polarimetric MIMO array.
• Verify theoretical results experimentally by manufactured demonstrator.
• Contribute to the scientific community knowledge through high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with industry partners, academic institutions, and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
• Prepare and defend the Ph.D. thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.

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 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.

Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems
The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of Department of Microelectronics, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. Leveraging electromagnetics as a core foundation, MS3’s work spans applications in safety, environmental monitoring, automotive radar and healthcare technologies. As part of MS3, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researcher, including high regarded Professors in microwave and radar technology. MS3 Research Facilities include Europe-leading laboratories with sophisticated radar setups like the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments. This robust infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.

Beyond technical training, MS3 encourages a collaborative research environment, promoting innovation in radar applications while fostering development through access to conferences and professional networking opportunities.

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.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Dr Alexander Yarovoy, Chairman of MS3, via a.yarovoy@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 January 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A cover letter in which you describe your personal motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 1 page).
• CV
• Abstract of your MSc thesis.
• Copies of two journal/conference publications (if applicable).
• Contact information for up to 2 referees.

You can address your application to Prof. Dr Alexander Yarovoy.

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.

38 hours per week

Mekelweg 5