PhD position in Adaptive Protocols for Decentralized Wireless Networks
Deadline for receipt of applications: July 20th, :59 AoE (21 July 2026, 13:59h)
The IMDEA Networks Institute offers one fully funded PhD position in the area of Adaptive Protocols for Decentralized Wireless Networks. The research associate will contribute to the newly established Secure Mobile Systems Group. The main focus of the work will be on adaptable protocols for decentralized wireless/mobile networks and systems. Goal is to enable off-the-shelf systems (such as WiFi-based, LoRa-based, or 5G/6G-based systems) to form emergency networks in case of crisis. These systems shall seamlessly transition between normal operation and crisis mode by switching over into decentralized, island, or direct-mode operation, while maintaining the ability for efficient and secure operation. This allows leveraging local power, compute, and communication abilities even if (part of) the core network is affected by an outage.



The research associate will employ methods such as reverse engineering to understand and modify the behavior of off-the-shelf systems. This forms the basis for designing, implementing, and experimentally evaluating adaptive protocols and solutions. The research associate will contribute to building up the newly founded Secure Mobile Systems Group.
The position offers:
- a unique opportunity to investigate state-of-the-art mobile/wireless systems
- the prospect to publish at top-tier venues in mobile/wireless systems
- a vibrant, collaborative, multi-cultural and English-speaking environment
- a strong international component with a German collaboration partner
- the high quality of life of the region of Madrid, Spain, where the lab is based.

The position requires:
- an MSc degree in Computer Science, Telecommunication Engineering, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering or related fields, with excellent academic record
- experience in wireless communications and knowledge of at least

📌 PhD position in Adaptive Protocols for Decentralized Wireless Networks (España)
🏢 Fundación Imdea Networks
📍 España