PhD Research Assistantships in Wireless Communications & Spectrum Systems — Notre Dame Wireless Institute (Fall 2027, Fully Funded)

Build the wireless systems that will connect the next decade, with full funding, world-class labs, and a 125-year head start.

The Wireless Institute at the University of Notre Dame is recruiting PhD students to join us in Fall 2027. Notre Dame has done wireless since 1899, when students were building radio apparatus, and today the Institute is a hub of research on 5G/6G, millimeter-wave and massive MIMO, software-defined radio, spectrum sharing, drones and radar. Our students work on real hardware, real spectrum and real partners in industry and government, not just simulations.

What you'll work on

• SpectrumX: the NSF Spectrum Innovation Center, advancing spectrum sharing and efficient spectrum use
• RadioHound: distributed spectrum sensing and monitoring
• SigCap: mobile-app based measurements of cellular networks, Wi-Fi networks, and GPS
• 1-Bit and RadioWare: next-generation radio architectures and software-defined radio
• Labs in advanced millimeter-wave, coherent MIMO, software-defined radio, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), wireless network testbeds, and drones 

Why Notre Dame

• Fully funded, full stop. Every PhD student receives a full-tuition scholarship, a 12-month stipend ($42,435 for 2026–27 in Engineering, up to $48,000 for select fellowship holders) and health insurance with the premium fully covered, for the length of the program.
• Real infrastructure. More than 5,200 sq ft of lab space, over $7M in equipment, about $5.5M in annual research expenditures and two field vehicles for over-the-air experiments.
• Industry and government connections. Our Industry Affiliates Program brings partners to campus, with internships, career fairs and direct project collaborations.
• Strong outcomes. University-wide, 97% of recent Notre Dame graduate alumni report jobs aligned with their career goals, and Notre Dame graduate students have won over $6M in fellowships from sources such as NSF, Ford and Mellon.
• A great place to live. South Bend offers a very low cost of living, four seasons, easy access to Chicago and Indianapolis, and active graduate communities including GradSWE and international student services.

Who we're looking for

• Students holding (or finishing) a BS or MS in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science or a related field
• Strong foundations in signals and systems, communications, RF or electromagnetics, networking, machine learning, or embedded and software systems
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to build and measure real systems
• Applicants of all backgrounds, including international students, are welcome

How to apply

Admission is handled by the Department of Electrical Engineering (EE) or Computer Science and Engineering (CSE); the Wireless Institute is where your research, lab and advisor come together.

1. Request information at https://gradconnect.nd.edu/register/request-more-information
2. Apply at https://gradconnect.nd.edu/apply/ by December 15, 2026 (Fall 2027 entry). You'll need transcripts, a CV, three letters of recommendation and a ~2-page statement of intent. GRE is recommended for EE, especially under a 3.75 GPA, and not required for CSE.
3. Name the Wireless Institute faculty and platforms you want to work with in your statement of intent, and email us before you apply.

Questions about research fit? Email Prof. Nick Laneman, Director of the Wireless Institute, at jnl@nd.edu. Formal admissions questions go to eegrad@nd.edu (EE) or cse-grad-info@nd.edu (CSE).

Learn more: wireless.nd.edu