Postdoctoral Researcher in Programmable & Intelligent Network Systems

• Coordinate and technically steer the research activities related to next-generation network architectures, intelligent orchestration, and resilient connectivity within a large European collaboration.
• Lead the design and implementation of AI/ML lifecycle workflows enabling intelligent behavior across the network stack (user applications, edge components, and AI-driven network functions).
• Develop and integrate 6GApp-like components, including:

• vertical application logic that reacts to network conditions,
• network-application logic (AI-based optimization, automation, and closed-loop control),
• multi-layer orchestration pipelines for intent-based programmability.

• Contribute to the orchestration of network intelligence, including:

• AI-based decision engines for edge/cloud continuum,
• real-time KPI/KVI monitoring,
• automated network and application adaptation workflows,
• integration with network exposure APIs and RAN/edge intelligence layers.

• Contribute to the development of prototypes and experimental workflows in advanced 5G/6G testbeds (private networks, edge compute, telemetry systems, programmable RAN).
• Collaborate closely with academia and industry partners to build practical and safe AI-driven network solutions.
• Publish high-quality scientific outputs and support the supervision of junior researchers.

Research group

You will join the Programmable and Intelligent Networks (PIN) team within IDLab, a research group of the University of Antwerp in collaboration with imec.

The group focuses on:

• Intelligent automation in 5G/6G networks
• AI-driven orchestration and zero-touch management
• Distributed intelligence in the edge-cloud continuum
• Network digital twins for predictive optimization
• 6GApps and network-application frameworks
• Open RAN, programmable network exposures, and testbed-driven validation

Our living labs and testbeds host cutting-edge infrastructure, including programmable core networks, edge clusters, private 5G/6G systems, and RAN intelligent control environments. Your work will directly advance our leadership in intelligent 6G application orchestration and AI-driven network functions at the Belgian trial sites in EU projects.

• You hold a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• You have knowledge about key 5G/6G concepts such as network programmability, network exposure APIs, service orchestration, O-RAN, network slicing, and data-driven optimization.
• You have proven experience with AI/ML pipelines, including data processing, model training, validation, deployment, monitoring, and (preferably) MLOps practices.
• You can develop and integrate AI models into operational systems, including:

• user-facing applications (computer vision, sensor fusion, predictive models),
• AI-driven network functions (closed-loop control, optimization, anomaly detection, intent resolution).

• You are familiar with cloud-native development (Docker, Kubernetes), CI/CD pipelines, and edge/cloud ML inference frameworks.
• You have experience with experimental research, including testbeds, prototypes, or system integration.
• You thrive in collaborative, multidisciplinary, and international environments. You communicate clearly in English and can represent your work in scientific and technical communities.
• You have an interest in working with industry stakeholders and translating technological capabilities into real impact.

What sets you apart (optional):

• Experience with EU collaborative research projects or technical work package leadership.
• Familiarity with AI-driven networking to support vertical applications such as healthcare or emergency-response systems.
• A strong drive to see technologies validated in real-world settings, beyond simulation or theory.

IMEC and its affiliates will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. IMEC will consider unsolicited referrals and/or resumes submitted by vendors such as search firms, staffing agencies, professional recruiters, fee-based referral services and recruiting agencies (hereafter "Agency") to have been referred by the Agency free of charge. IMEC will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have a prior written agreement with IMEC, validated by its HR department, in place regarding a specific job opening and allowing to submit resumes.