Doctoral Researcher in Maritime Internet of Things (m/f)

Job Description

Are you passionate about next-generation marine Internet of Things (IoT) technologies? Do you want to contribute to the development of smart monitoring systems that protect marine life from anthropogenic noise and pollutants? The Research Department of the "CoE MARBLE – Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy" invites applications for a PhD position on underwater edge computing for maritime Internet of Things networks.

About the Position

Marine IoT networks are expected to play a key role in next-generation 6G networks by realizing reliable connectivity of numerous underwater sensors for mission-critical smart ocean monitoring applications. Given the harsh underwater communication medium and the energy constraints of underwater sensors, a key research challenge is to reduce the excessive delay between data collection by the sensors and data processing at onshore stations. To this end, a promising solution is to exploit computing entities in proximity of underwater sensors to allow them to offload their computation tasks for latency reduction and energy saving, a method commonly referred to as edge computing. The goal of this research is to design architectures and solutions for underwater edge computing in maritime IoT networks.

Your research may include:

• Designing architectures for edge computing-empowered maritime IoT networks to enable computation offloading.
• Designing and evaluating efficient computation offloading strategies to minimize the overall latency and energy consumption.
• Investigating intelligent mechanisms to address the challenges of realizing underwater edge computing platforms.
• Or any other innovative solutions for maritime mission-critical applications — creative minds are welcome!

Your work will sit at the intersection of telecommunication networks, cloud computing, robotics, and machine learning.

About Us

CoE MARBLE – Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy – is a non-profit research organisation, financed by the European Commission under the prestigious Horizon Europe Teaming programme, founded by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing.

The main goal of CoE MARBLE is to engage Croatia in a path of sustainable innovative growth in the blue economy in a strategic partnership with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the National Research Council (Italy). The strategic vision of CoE MARBLE is to put Croatia on the map of R&I excellence by becoming a European lighthouse and a role model in the field of maritime robotics and technologies, focusing on key research areas identified as essential enablers with the highest impact on the blue economy sectors aligned with the Smart Specialization Strategy of Croatia.

CoE MARBLE is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. Recruitment is based solely on merit, with transparent and gender-neutral selection criteria applied to all candidates regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or family status. Applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities are strongly encouraged.

Workplace

CoE MARBLE – Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy, Froudeova 13, 10020 Zagreb, Croatia.

Job Requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline.
• Excellent academic record.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong mathematical skills (e.g., linear algebra, optimization, probability).
• Programming skills (Python/MATLAB/C++).
• Very good communication skills in oral and written English.

Having knowledge/background in one or more of the following areas is a plus:

• Design, optimization, and evaluation of telecommunication networks.
• Machine learning skills (e.g., SVM, reinforcement learning).
• Maritime technologies (e.g., acoustic communications).
• Cloud/edge/fog computing.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the main objectives of the project defined by the supervisor(s).
• Participate in meetings and other relevant events.
• Publish in top-tier journals and present at flagship conferences.

What We Offer

• Type of contract: Full-time, 40 hours per week.
• Number of positions available: 1.
• Contract duration: 3 years.
• Competitive salary.
• Education/training and continuous professional growth.
• Access to innovative research projects and new technologies.
• Modern work environment with all the required tools to perform the job.
• Paid local transportation expenses to and from work.
• Free parking space.
• Food costs compensation.
• Team building.
• Flexible working hours in agreement with the Head of Department.
• Medical check-up.
• Extraordinary occasional payments.
• Stipend: Paid PhD Scholarship.

Application Details

Envisaged job starting date: Summer/Fall 2026.

Selection Process

1. CV screening and shortlisting the candidates who fit the requirements of the Job Ad.
2. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to take an online Personality and Ability Test.
3. Employment Interview – the candidates with the best fit will be called for an Interview with the Selection Committee.
4. Candidates may be required to do a short assignment to check their professional and problem-solving skills.
5. Job Offer and Signing the Employment Contract with the chosen candidate.

How to Apply

Applicants are invited to submit an application package, including the following documents:

• Cover letter, describing motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV), including the contact information of three references. CoE MARBLE may reach out to references at any stage of the selection process; applicants are recommended to notify their references in advance.
• Copies of BSc and MSc degree certificates and transcripts.

Send the application package to jobs@marble.eu. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted shortly after their application for the next steps in the selection process.