Senior Research Specialist

Nokia

Senior Research Specialist focusing on 6G radio protocol research for Nokia's innovation and standardization. Leading technical contributions and collaborating globally with research teams.

Posted 6/1/2026full-timeOulu • 🇫🇮 FinlandSeniorWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead end-to-end 6G radio protocol research on at least one of the following areas;
User plane design for SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC, QoS, Service and AI awareness and
Interactions between MAC and physical layer such as L2 procedures for HARQ, scheduling, MIMO, and AI enablers
Act as;
Nokia’s delegate representative to 3GPP RAN2, taking ownership of technical contributions, agenda shaping, consensus building, and alignment of standardization outcomes with Nokia’s 6G research and business priorities or
Nokia researcher on 3GPP RAN2 User Plane topics, responsible for technical contributions, concept development, C++ simulations, and aligning standardization research with Nokia's 6G priorities.
Develop pioneering 6G intellectual property on radio protocol area.
Embed AI‑first principles into 6G standards research.
Represent and champion Nokia’s technical leadership in 3GPP and external research forums, advocating next‑generation radio protocol design and architectures.
Shape Nokia’s 6G technology and standards strategy, contributing to long‑term research roadmaps for radio protocols on user plane area aligned with business and ecosystem priorities.
Collaborate closely with physical layer, radio performance, RF, regulatory, and system teams to ensure coherent evolution from research concepts to product‑relevant technologies.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong system‑level expertise in 5G and/or emerging 6G systems.
Master’s degree or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, communications, signal processing, or a related field.
Deep understanding of radio access systems and associated technology challenges.
Solid grasp of radio product portfolios and wireless business strategy.
Familiarity with AI‑driven research methodologies, including data‑driven and agentic workflows.
Prior 3GPP standardization experience.
Demonstrated ability to serve as an effective 3GPP delegate, including technical authority, preparation and delivery of high‑quality contributions, active meeting participation, and coordination across internal stakeholders to form coherent Nokia positions.
5+ years of research experience in 6G‑relevant radio topics.
Proven track record in concept development, performance evaluation, and technical leadership in complex research programs and/or standards development organization such as e.g. 3GPP.
Experience working in multinational and cross‑cultural environments.
Strong ability to operate in highly complex, innovation‑driven organizations.
Proactive in scouting, assessing, and applying state‑of‑the‑art research results.
Fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Flexible and hybrid working schemes
Well-being programs to support your mental and physical health
Opportunities to join and receive support from Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs)
Employee Growth Solutions to support your personalized career & skills development
Diverse pool of Coaches & Mentors to whom you have easy access
A learning environment which promotes personal growth and professional development - for your role and beyond

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

6G radio protocol researchuser plane designSDAPPDCPRLCMACQoSC++ simulationsAI-driven research methodologiesconcept development

Soft Skills

technical authorityeffective communicationcoordinationconsensus buildingactive participationleadershipproactive scoutingcross-cultural collaborationinnovation-driven mindsetstakeholder alignment

Certifications

Master’s degreePh.D.