Post-doc Position in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) at University of Trento

The D3S group at the University of Trento, Italy, invites applications for a post‐doctoral research position in wireless sensor networks (WSNs).
In the context of WSNs, the D3S has been successful in bringing research results into real‐world, long‐term, operational deployments. Examples are the structural health monitoring of a medieval tower, and the closed‐loop control of lighting in a road tunnel. The scientific results of these projects received the Best Paper Award at IPSN (both in 2009 and 2011) and the Mark Weiser Best Paper Award at PerCom 2012. The WSN-based system deployed in the road tunnel has been granted an EU patent.
Other ongoing projects include: i) a project aimed at large-scale monitoring of the environment and the wildlife dwelling in it; ii) a cross-disciplinary project on smart spaces, iii) a follow-up project of the road tunnel deployment, investigating energy-harvesting devices and wireless actuation.
Although we emphasize real-world applications as a motivation and a concrete opportunity for the validation of our research, the latter is not limited to the immediate needs of WSN deployments. We perform a mix of curiosity-driven and application-driven research. The research challenges tackled by D3S span a broad set of topics, ranging from low-layer issues concerned with the characterization and design of communication protocols to higher-layer issues related with programming platforms and software achitectures for WSNs.
The successful candidate is expected to propose ideas and lead scientific efforts on ongoing research topics, and to coordinate the related activities of junior members of the team.
The language of the research group is English.
The Department of Information Engineering and Computer Science is a leading and fast‐growing research institution, characterized by a young and international faculty and by a large, international student population. Indicators for scientific production place the department among the top in Europe. Trento is a vibrant city with a beautifully preserved historic center, consistently ranked at the top for quality of life in Italy. It offers a variety of cultural and sports opportunities all year around, as well as excellent food and wine.
Requirements:
Ph.D. in computer science, telecommunications, or related fields;
strong programming and systems skills: hands‐on knowledge of TinyOS and/or Contiki is very welcome, and so is experience with building WSN in‐field deployments;
knowledge of WSN research: communication issues, MAC and routing protocols, programming platforms;
good analytical, technical, and problem solving skills;
good teamwork and organizational skills.
The position is intended to last 1 year, and can be extended. A longer, initial appointment can be negotiated on a per-case basis. The indicative start date is November 2014; however this is flexible and later start dates can be considered.
The deadline for applications is July 31, 2014.
Applications should contain, in a single PDF document:
a cover letter stating the applicant’s research goals;
a detailed CV including publication list;
names and contact information for three references.
Applications should be sent via e‐mail to d3s-calls-AT-disi.unitn.it.
For more information, please contact Prof. Gian Pietro Picco (gianpietro.picco-AT-unitn.it, http://disi.unitn.it/~picco).