Student Assistant - Design and Implementation of Optical Wireless Communication (LiFi) on FPGAs

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

Future. Discover. Together.

Are you interested in next-generation data transmission? Do you want to gain experience in research and development as part of a team? We are developing innovative systems for wireless communication using light and are looking for support in the implementation on FPGAs. Optical wireless communication uses light for the wireless transmission of information. This enables cellular networks with ultra-high data density and very low latencies, as well as increased security due to limited propagation. The technology is expected to complement WiFi and 5G-based networks in the future and is likely to be part of the sixth generation of mobile communication (6G).

With us, you will be part of the team and implement novel technological approaches in prototypes for demonstration purposes. The focus is particularly on developing a real-time capable, robust signal transmission layer ("Physical Layer") for LiFi on FPGA platforms. If interested, there is the possibility of a subsequent thesis. Become a part of our team and join us on our journey of research and innovation!

What you will do

Design and development of IP cores for low-latency, high-throughput digital signal processing
Simulation and verification of the implemented algorithms with test vectors
Integration of IP cores into an OFDM-based Physical Layer
Debugging of implemented designs in a LiFi testbed
Collaboration within the team to optimize system design regarding reliability and functionality

What you bring to the table

You are studying Technical Computer Science, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Communication Technology, or a similar field
Knowledge or interest in digital signal processing and wireless communication systems (OFDM, MIMO, …)
Proficiency in a hardware description language (VHDL or Verilog)
Ideally, initial experience with FPGAs (Xilinx Vivado, Zynq Ultrascale+, …)
Ability to work independently, willingness to learn, and interest in the subject matter

What you can expect

Flexible working hours and a pleasant working environment
The opportunity to work on innovative technology and contribute your own ideas
Very good compatibility of your part-time job with your studies
Unterstützung beim Anfertigen von Master- oder Bachelorarbeiten

The position is initially limited to 1 year. An extension is explicitly desired.

The monthly working time is 80 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

Herrn Anselm Ebmeyer
E-Mail: anselm.ebmeyer@hhi.fraunhofer.de

Herrn Lennert Bober
E-Mail: kai.lennert.bober@hhi.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute HHI

www.hhi.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 81434 Application Deadline: 10/31/2025

Job Segment: R&D Engineer, Telecom, Telecommunications, Computer Science, Part Time, Engineering, Technology

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