Doctoral scholarship holder X-as-a-Service (XaaS) Architectures for 6G Networks

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation and defence of a PhD thesis X-as-a-Service (XaaS) Architectures for 6G Networks. The PhD project will be focused on X-as-a-Service (XaaS) paradigms for next-generation (6G) communication systems. The project delves into the design of service-oriented networking architectures that enable programmable, intelligent, and scalable service delivery across heterogeneous infrastructures, including terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, cloud-edge environments, and vertical industry domains. The PhD candidate will investigate innovative mechanisms for resource abstraction, orchestration, and lifecycle management of services in multi-domain and multi-tenant environments, contributing to the realization of fully automated and service-centric 6G ecosystems. The research may include: Service-based and cloud-native architectures for 6G, Network/Compute/AI-as-a-Service models, Zero-touch network/service management, and multi-domain service federation and interoperability.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for the Electronics and ICT Engineering Technology Department.

Profile

• You hold a master’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field, or you will have obtained it by the time you start.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results (at least cum laude/with distinction).
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You have strong interest in communication networks, distributed systems, or cloud/edge computing.
• You have at least basic programming skills (e.g., Python, C/C++, or similar).
• You have good analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• You have knowledge of 5G or beyond-5G network architectures (preferred).
• You are familiar with virtualization, SDN/NFV, containerization, or orchestration platforms (preferred).
• You have experience with AI/ML for networking or automation (preferred).
• You have experience with experimental platforms or research projects.
• You are proficient in English (written and spoken).

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of one year. Following a positive evaluation each year, the scholarship can be renewed for another three years.
• The planned start date is July 1st, 2026, or as soon as possible after that date.
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive eco vouchers, internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at City Campus (The Beacon) and Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform up to and including April 23, 2026 (by midnight Brussels time). Click on the 'Apply' button and complete the online application form. Be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter
  • your academic CV, including:
    • a transcript of study results
    • two reference letters with appropriate contact details
    • an English proficiency certificate
  • a short research proposal aligned with your research interests on X-as-a-Service (XaaS) Architectures for 6G Networks. Proposal is max. 4 pages, excluding references
    • The research proposal should include: (i) problem statement & motivation, (ii) expected novelty/impact, (iii) brief approach (models, data/testbeds), (iv) evaluation plan, and (v) alignment with IDLab research on flexible and deterministic networking at the University of Antwerp (https://www.uantwerpen.be/en/research-groups/idlab/research-areas/flexible-deterministic-networking/)
• The selection committee reviews all applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision is made, we will notify you. If you are still eligible after the pre-selection, you will be informed about the possible next step(s) in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. If you have any questions about the job itself, please contact Nina Slamnik-Kriještorac, Principal Investigator, nina.slamnik-krijestorac@uantwerpen.be, Dr. Miguel Camelo, Principal Investigator, miguel.camelo@uantwerpen.be, or Prof. Johann Marquez-Barja, Full professor, johann.marquez-barja@uantwerpen.be.