ANCHOR Marie Sklodowska - Curie Doctoral Candidate

Salary: £50,733 per annum pro rata

FTE: 1.0

Term: Fixed for 36 months

Closing Date: 2 March 2026

The Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) funded “Advanced Network Connectivity using Harmonious Optical and Radio Technologies (ANCHOR)” project brings together leading academic, industry stakeholders, and SMEs to establish a structured doctoral training program addressing critical technical challenges and skill shortages for next-generation of communications networks. The ANCHOR consortium consists of 12 leading universities and research institutes across several European countries, along with a number of associated industrial and academic partners worldwide. ANCHOR has meticulously designed fifteen doctoral projects that focus on cutting-edge innovations in optical, radio, and THz wireless communications and the harmonization of coexisting spectra and networks. Through these efforts, ANCHOR will not only deepen fundamental theories but also provide practical, scalable solutions to improve 3D coverage, mobility, latency, network capacity, energy efficiency, and suitability for the future telecommunications infrastructure.

By fostering cross-sector/cross-border collaboration in next-generation communication systems and digital infrastructure, ANCHOR will contribute significantly to the Horizon Europe priorities under the Digital, Industry, and Space Cluster. The project also directly supports the EU’s Digital Decade goals by driving the development of sustainable, high-capacity communication networks, contributing to Europe’s leadership in the digital economy.

ANCHOR’s doctoral candidates will be guided by leading experts from academia and industry through well-structured projects, secondments, and training activities. This comprehensive approach ensures that the candidates acquire the multidisciplinary knowledge and skills required to address real-world challenges, drive innovation in wireless networks, and develop promising personal careers.

ANCHOR consortium is looking for highly motivated, outstanding doctoral candidates (DCs) with the skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to contribute to the innovation and technological advancement of next-generation communication networks. DCs enrolled in the program will have opportunities to work and collaborate with world-leading researchers from the consortium partners, participate in secondments across academia and industry, and develop a comprehensive skill set through a well-structured training program and cross-sector supervision, which will prepare you for successful careers in both academic and industrial environments.

At the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, we offer DC positions focused on optical wireless communications. DC1.1 will work on designing high-speed, high-density, user-position-aware mobile optical wireless systems, while DC1.3 will focus on beyond-line-of-sight communication in the far-ultraviolet wavelength range. As part of the ANCHOR programme, you will be expected to undertake secondments in both academic and industrial environments.

To be considered for the position, candidates are required to have a suitable degree in a relevant field of study, must not already hold a doctoral degree, and be able to demonstrate relevant skills and knowledge. The MSCA funding of this position has the additional requirement that DCs must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary (i.e. the UK for DC1.1 and DC1.3) for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.