"PhD Candidates in Telecommunications Research Unit (TRU) and National Telecommunications Resilience Centre (NTRC)"

Telecom Research Unit

The Telecommunications Research Unit (TRU) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a world-class research team advancing telecommunications systems, infrastructure, and workforce capability in Australia and beyond. Within the TRU, the National Telecommunications Resilience Centre (NTRC) focuses on strengthening the resilience and reliability of critical telecommunications and emergency-call networks. Together, the TRU and NTRC collaborate with major industry partners such as NBN Co (through the ASTRID partnership) and Amplitel Australia, delivering applied research in areas including fibre and mobile network deployment, AI-based tower monitoring, digital twins, and emergency communications across multiple operators. Their research spans across broadband and mobile network performance, next generation 5G/6G systems, network resilience, and cybersecurity. With strong engagement with industry and government, significant applied and fundamental research programs, the TRU and NTRC provide PhD candidates with a dynamic environment to contribute to high-impact research shaping the future of telecommunications.

About the role

We are seeking multiple outstanding PhD candidates with strong backgrounds in telecommunications, AI, and networking to join the Telecommunications Research Unit (TRU) and the National Telecommunications Resilience Centre (NTRC) at UTS. Candidates will conduct fundamental and theoretical research in areas such as 6G and beyond communications, network intelligence and optimisation, resilient network architectures, and AI-driven telecommunications systems. These positions offer the opportunity to work with world-leading researchers in a dynamic, globally recognised environment advancing the frontiers of communications engineering. Furthermore, through the research conducted in our programs, the students may also get exposure or work on industry projects, with potential future employment opportunities.

Research areas of interest include:

• Next-generation wireless communication systems (5G, 6G and beyond)
• AI, machine learning, and data-driven approaches to network design and optimisation
• Network resilience, reliability, and fault-tolerant architectures
• Edge, cloud, and distributed network intelligence
• Theoretical modelling and performance analysis of communication systems

Key Selection Criteria:

• A Master’s degree (research-based) in Telecommunications, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience in theoretical modelling and simulation of communication systems.
• In-depth understanding of SIP signalling, emergency call systems, AI-driven telecommunications solutions, and network resiliency techniques.
• Familiarity with telecommunications standards, including 3GPP and other relevant industry frameworks.
• In-depth knowledge of telecommunication protocols such as BGP, OSPF, MPLS, etc.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, the TCP/IP stack, network analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Expertise in AI/ML techniques, including deep learning, graph neural networks, and transformer models for optimizing network performance and resilience.
• A track record of high-quality research, with publications in reputable journals (e.g., IEEE Transactions) and/or IEEE Conferences.
• Demonstrated academic excellence and strong potential to conduct independent, impactful research in network resiliency, security, and next-generation telecommunications technologies.

Why Join Us?

• Access to cutting-edge research tools and resources within the NTRC for AI-driven network resiliency.
• The opportunity to work on high-impact projects shaping the future of telecommunications and network security.
• Collaboration with leading researchers, industry experts, and government agencies in communications networking.
• A stimulating research environment with opportunities to present findings at top-tier conferences.
• Potential opportunities for work placement/internships on industry projects.

Scholarship

A competitive full scholarship offer, which includes a $40K base scholarship and a $10K top-up will be made to the successful applicant. This position is full-time, and an appointment will be made on a fixed term basis for 3.5 years.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications via email to tru@uts.edu.au. Please include the reference in the subject line: “***PhD-Telco***”

Your application should include the following documents:

• Current CV
• Academic transcripts
• Any relevant publications

Please ensure that all documents are submitted in one complete application. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information about the position or the application process, please contact tru@uts.edu.au.

Closing Date:

Ongoing – applications would be reviewed as received. This advert may close at any time once filled.