Why this role matters
The hostile nature of radio channels is a persisting fundamental challenge in the wireless communications industry due to the complex dynamics of real-world physical environments. Hence, this problem needs to be addressed. As a result, a new paradigm known as Smart Radio Environment (SRE) is envisioned as the next revolution in wireless physical layer technologies, and aims to transform the uncontrollable real-world radio environment into a self-optimizing intelligent component of wireless communications systems. The SRE ambition relies on a new hardware enabler known as reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS), a thin (thickness << wavelength) RF device built upon electromagnetic metasurface whose response to impinging radio waves can be tailored via a dedicated controller. When installed either independently in the signal propagation environment or on the surfaces of natural reflectors, the radio channel response becomes programmable.
To work on the highlighted research scope, we have partnered with the European Research Executive Agency to recruit a European final-year Master's student or first-year PhD student to work on this external collaborative project in our Applied Research and Network Strategy Department for a fixed contract of 3 years. This role is equivalent to a PhD Degree, meaning the successful candidate will be awarded their PhD degree upon completion of the contract term. This role is 2 in 1 as you get to earn while studying for your PhD via this placement. In this European collaborative PhD program, the main objective is to explore and identify the essential signal processing enablers that will deliver the promises of SRE beyond 5G wireless communications. A significant target of this investigation is to improve the quality of radio channels, tailor the radio environment's system function, and gain control of the inherent channel selectivity.
Eligibility Criteria
To be shortlisted for this role, candidates must:
- hold a recent Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecoms, Networking, or related subjects from a European University.
- be currently enrolled or about to enrol for their PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Telecoms, Networking, or related subjects with a European University.
- not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies) in the UK for more than 12 months before the date of their application.
- be willing to relocate to the UK and make this an equivalent of their PhD program.
You'll have the following responsibilities
- Manage research projects/tasks with collaborative partners as part of the European INTEGRATE collaboration.
- Contribute to journal publications and popular science articles contributing to BT’s world-class standing in telecommunications and ICT research.
- Contribute to the creation of intellectual property rights which will enhance BT’s competitive position.
- Responsible for intellectual property creation and supporting IPR exploitation where appropriate.
- Define and perform research in a specific domain (i.e. advanced communications) or area typically unknown, complex, high impact and of high value across multiple disciplines.
- Authoring thought technical leadership papers, capturing intellectual property.
- Contribute specialist technical knowledge and lead specific project task(s), making clear technical recommendations which lead to new solutions to business challenges and opportunities in areas supporting BT’s strategic priorities or new fields with potential impact on BT’s future business.
- Maintain awareness of advances in your field and the activities of other researchers or organisations.
- Prepare reports and presentations to customers and collaborative partners.
- Provide consultancy on their area of expertise to LoBs and other R&D project teams as required.
- Influence the strategic direction of technical projects within BT to intercept the most appropriate market opportunity with the best effect.
- Propose new opportunities for BT arising from their research (e.g. new revenues, cost savings or improvements to customer service) for consideration by the Research and Innovation Oversight Group.
- Domain expert responsible for maintaining expertise in a specific technical domain.
Essential skills & experience
- Wireless channel models
- Digital signal processing techniques with error correction codes
- Programming in MATLAB, Python or C/C++
- MIMO processing in current and future generation access networks
- Wireless resource optimisation using Machine Learning techniques
- Strong academic record in technology specialism
- Skilled in technical publications, conference presentations etc
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
- 10% on target bonus
- Pension scheme
- Option to join the Healthcare Cash Plan or other benefits such as dental insurance, gym memberships etc.
- 50% off BT and EE mobile pay monthly or SIM only plans
- Exclusive colleague discounts on our latest and greatest BT broadband packages
- BT TV, including BT Sport and the NOW Entertainment membership, and 25% off NOW Sport, Cinema and Kids
- 30% discount for friends and family on EE mobile pay monthly and SIM only plans
About BT
BT has a crucial role in British society, fostering change and leading technology innovation. From delivering the Olympics, to supporting the emergency services, to investing more into research than any other UK technology company, we take pride in everything we do - and in the people who work here. We are now a global company operating at the forefront of the information age, employing 90,000 people in 180 countries. And we are on a mission. Guided by our core values of Personal, Simple and Brilliant our goal is to help customers, communities and businesses overcome barriers and release their potential.
So, if you are interested in the power of potential, why not join us today and release yours?
Our mission is to break down the barriers of today to release the potential of tomorrow. Join us today and release yours.
There are two things that we want to share with anyone considering joining us.
Firstly, we have big ambitions for our colleagues and the future of the organisation. These include our vision that inclusion and accessibility drive every conversation we have and every decision we make. We want our workforce to fully represent the communities and customers we serve, because a diverse business is a better business. We value every colleague, their diversity, and the contribution that they make. When we say you’re welcome at BT, we really mean it.
Secondly, the one thing the pandemic has taught us is that a lot of current and future colleagues, where and when possible, want to embrace hybrid working. Therefore, we are introducing Smart Working at BT. Smart Working means having the flexibility to choose, as a team, how and where you work depending on your team’s deliverables and needs; when you are at your shared core location to connect with others and when not. It may not be for every role, and, as part of the recruitment process, you will have the chance to discuss Smart Working and how it might work for the job you are applying for.
How to Apply
It is easy to apply online; you just need a copy of your up-to-date CV and to follow the step-by step process. Do not worry if you need to make changes - you will have the opportunity to review and edit your work on the final page. We look forward to receiving your application!