PhD in Object oriented edge-casting using semantic encoding

The Department of Electronic Systems at The Technical Faculty of IT and Design invites applications for a PhD stipend in the field of Object-oriented edge-casting using semantic encoding within the general study programme Wireless communication; as per May 1, 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The candidate will be based in Copenhagen at the CMI Section (Communication Media and Information Technologies) of Department of Electronic Systems.

In electronic engineering, Aalborg University is known worldwide for its high academic quality and societal impact. The Department of Electronic Systems employs more than 200 people, of which about 90 are PhD students, and about 40 % of all employees are internationals. In total, it has more than 600 students in its BSc and MSc programs, which are based on AAU's problem-based learning model. The department leverages its unique research infrastructure and lab facilities to conduct world-leading fundamental and applied research within communication, networks, control systems, AI, sound, cyber security, and robotics. The department plays an active role in transferring inventions and results into applications in close collaboration with industrial partners worldwide. You can read more about the department at www.es.aau.dk.

Your work tasks    
Media distribution is undergoing radical transformations from dedicated infrastructures (e.g. DAB, FM and DVB-T) to IP based distribution infrastructures, and heterogeneous networks and storage environments based on Cloud based services, CDNs and Edge Computing. This complex chain of delivery has negative implications for the robustness needed for delivery of media content e.g. in events of crisis and emergency.

On the other side, there is a high degree of synergy and convergence between the dedicated media platforms, including over-the-top and the ongoing development of 5G and 6G. With new network structures, also conditions for content creation changes; it can be assembled ‘on the fly’ allowing for a highly granular and personalised media experience, as formulated in SMPTE ST 2110 suite of standards for video, audio and data over IP. This research asses the implications for public interest media of these fundamental changes and the implications for the robustness of the media infrastructure.

As a PhD student on this project (RePIM DC4) you will address the implications for the robustness of media delivery infrastructures in the shift from the robust architecture of radio-TV transmitters and receivers to the far more complex and fragile structure of ‘over-the-top’ (IP-based) media delivery. The project will model optimal architectures of IP based media for efficient utilization of the underlying resources while securing robustness in delivery.

The position requires relocation to Denmark as the candidate will be enrolled in the PhD programme of Aalborg University. The project is conducted under the supervision of Reza Tadayoni, Associate Professor at Aalborg University, and Helle Sjøvaag, Professor at the University of Stavanger. It will involve close collaboration with other Doctoral Candidates in the RePIM doctoral Network Project, and an academic secondment of approximately 2 months at the University of Stavanger in Norway. The candidate will also carry out 3-month internship at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in Geneva.

The PhD position is part of RePIM – Revisioning Public Interest Media, a four-year Marie Skłodowska-Curie (MSCA) Doctoral Network dedicated to reimagining the role and future of Public Interest Media in a data-driven, platform-dominated environment. RePIM brings together leading European universities, industry partners, and 12 Doctoral Candidates in an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral training and research programme. The network investigates how Public Interest Media can remain relevant, sustainable, and impactful by transforming how content is produced, packaged, distributed, and supported organisationally and technologically. Through its focus on strategic innovation, organisational change, and media management, RePIM equips its doctoral researchers with advanced analytical and managerial skills to help reshape Public Interest Media across diverse European contexts.

Your competencies   
You have a strong profile within computer science, computer engineering or similar, and have an interest in media deliver infrastructure, including Edge and Cloud computing

We expect:

• A Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) or media sciences. A master’s degree of 120 ECTS points is an official requirement for enrolment as PhD at Aalborg University.
• Candidates with background in media science must document expertise and interest in technology research related to communication and media infrastructures.  
• Willingness to engage in international mobility in line with the MSCA-DN framework (meetings, training sessions, research stays and industry stays, etc.).

MSCA eligibility requirements
The RePIM project is financed as a doctoral network by EU's MSCA (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions). Therefore, these eligibility requirements applies:

• At the time of recruitment, candidates must not already hold a doctoral degree
• Applicants of any nationality are welcome to apply. However, researchers must not have lived or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country (in this case: Denmark) for more than 12 months within the 36 months immediately preceding their recruitment date. Candidates must be willing to move to Denmark for the duration of the PhD research.

Please see the RePIM project website (https://repimnetwork.eu/recruitment/) for further information.

Qualification requirements
PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Who we are    
You will be affiliated with the Digital Transformation research group at the CMI-section of Dept. of Electronic Systems in Copenhagen. Most likely you will also have interaction with the many other PhD students at the Cyber Security research group and at the Edge Computing and Networking research group at CMI. We are a strong computer engineering environment with close and interdisciplinary collaboration with many different industries.

How to apply 
*** Please apply by submitting the following documents to repim@vub.be (subject line: ‘Application for DC4 position’)***

• Certificate of your master’s degree or equivalent
• Transcripts of records for your Master’s degree
• A one-page motivation letter indicating why you are applying for this position. If you are interested in other RePIM positions, please clearly indicate them as your second and third choices, adding a half-page motivation for each.
• Curriculum vitae (CV). If applicable, this should also include a list of all publications and/or other documented research activities.  
• Proof of English proficiency in line with the requirements detailed in the Profile section above.
•  A one-page reflection on how you would approach this research in terms of
  o    questions and methods,
  o    the use of your own background and skills,
  o    the societal and scientific relevance of the topic.

Additional documentation you are encouraged to send with your application, if available:

• If the diploma(s) or transcript of records are not in English or Danish you can add a translation by a sworn translator.
• Other relevant certificates or transcripts (e.g., courses completed at the PhD level).
• If the issuing authority of grades and degrees does not use the ECTS grading scale, include an official description of the grading scale used.

Aalborg University wants to reflect the surrounding society and has diversity as a core value. Therefore, everyone, regardless of personal background and orientation, is encouraged to apply for the position.

Application process:

• Step 1: initial selection based on the applications we have received
• Step 2: first round of interviews with long-listed candidates (est. February–March 2026)
• Step 3: second round of interviews with short-listed candidates (March 2026)
• Starting date: est. 1 May 2026.

Do you have any questions?     
If you have any questions about the position, you are more than welcome to contact Reza Tadayoni (reza@es.aau.dk)

Further information  
The assessment of candidates for the position will be carried out by qualified experts.

The hiring process at Aalborg University may include a risk assessment as a tool to identify potential risks associated with new hires, ensuring the safety, compliance, and integrity of the workplace.

Read more about The Technical Doctoral School of IT and Design

Salary and terms of employment
The employment is in accordance with the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities (the Appointment Order) and the Ministerial Order on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (in Danish).

Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with the collective agreement between the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations and the state (AC collective agreement) (in Danish)