PostDoctoral Research Associate Positions in MIMO/Signal Processing/Machine

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position (non-tenure track) under Dr. Lingjia Liu ([Please click the Apply button for the link or address]) in Wireless@VT, Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC), and Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at Virginia Tech. The position involves conducting research in MIMO systems, algorithmic design, and machine learning for 6G networks.

Successful candidates will have chance to work with top-notched researchers from both academia and industry on future wireless systems spanning from novel physical layer waveforms designs to artificial intelligence-enabled wireless networks, from MIMO, ISAC to network design using O-RAN/V-RAN, from machine learning theory to USRP prototypes.

The position’s responsibilities include conducting independent research in these spaces developing publications for top venues including journals, conferences, and workshops; mentoring PhD students to work in these spaces; and developing proposals to various funding agencies such as National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of War (DoW), National Spectrum Consortium (NSC), Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI), etc.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or other related disciplines.
• Solid research record evidenced by publications in high-impact IEEE/ACM journals and/or top tier IEEE/ACM conferences.
• Ability to pursue independent research and demonstrate capability of mentoring students.
• Deep understanding of the fundamentals of wireless communication and the ability to apply solid theoretical understanding to real-world wireless systems.
• Strong background and experience in MIMO communications, including massive MIMO, multi-user MIMO, and distributed MIMO.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong coding/programming skills (e.g., Python, C++, etc.) are a plus.
• Radio hardware and prototype system building experience (e.g., USRP, etc.) is a plus.
• Prior experience in applying machine learning to wireless physical layer processing is a plus.
• Familiar with integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) and related signal processing techniques is a plus.

Application inquiries should be sent by email to Dr. Yibin Liang (yibin@vt.edu) and Dr. Lingjia Liu (ljliu@vt.edu) including:

• A research statement indicating the candidate’s research interests, achievements, plans, and how these fit with the above position requirements and our ongoing research.
• Detailed curriculum vitae that includes a full list of publications and GPA of graduate studies.
• Contacts of two or three referees.

ECE@Virginia Tech: The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has both Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. programs. Both programs rank top in the US: In 2026 U.S. News & World Report, the Electrical Engineering graduate program at VT ranks 15 while the Computer Engineering graduate program at VT ranks 19.

Wireless@Virginia Tech: Wireless@VT was officially organized as a research center in June 2004. Prior to that, it is known as the Mobile and Portable Radio Research Group (MPRG). Wireless@Virginia Tech brings 30+ faculty members with technical expertise in wireless networking, communication systems, applied signal processing, dynamic spectrum access, cybersecurity, RF technologies, and system integration (https://wireless.vt.edu/).

Professor: Dr. Lingjia Liu is an IEEE Fellow, an IEEE Distinguished Lecturer and an AAIA Fellow. He is the Boeing Distinguished Professor and Co-Director of Wireless@Virginia Tech at Virginia Tech. Prior to joining academia, Dr. Liu spent 4+ years in various industrial research labs (Mitsubishi Electric Research Labs and Samsung Research America) leading industrial research and innovation on various 4G standards (3GPP LTE-Advanced and IEEE 802.16m). Dr. Liu is well connected to many leading telecommunication corporations in the world and has been serving on Executive Committee of National Spectrum Consortium from 2020 to 2025.

Location: Dr. Liu’s group within Virginia Tech is located in Alexandria, Virginia. It is conveniently located near the center of the Washington DC region right on the blue and yellow lines of the Washington DC metro. It is only 5 minutes away from the Washington DC Ronald Regan National Airport (DCA).

For more information, please visit:

[Please click the Apply button for the link or address]

Tagged as: Engineering