Contribute to optical communication research, focusing on statistical models, detection algorithms, and simulations involving photon-limited communication.
Number of Position(s): 1
Duration: 10 Weeks
Date: June to August, 2026
Location: On-site, Murray Hill, NJ
EDUCATIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
A candidate for a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related field with an accredited school in the USA.
Responsibilities
You will join our research team to contribute to high-quality foundational studies and help translate theoretical insights into practical models relevant to Nokia’s optical communication technologies.
Throughout the internship, you will engage in exploratory work, collaborate closely with experienced researchers, and participate in hands-on development involving photon-counting statistical models, optical signal detection algorithms, and simulation of noisy optical channels.
These efforts will allow you to build skills, gain exposure to real-world challenges, and deepen your knowledge of photon-limited communication, optical detection theory, and the physics of noise in optical systems.
Likely focus areas include:
- Modeling and simulation of Poissonian and thermal photon statistics
- Deriving and evaluating probability-of-detection expressions for optical pulses in strong background noise
- Developing and validating detection algorithms relevant to optical timing, sensing, and low-power communication
- Demonstrated research experience with strong peer-reviewed publications.
- Ability to write clean, high-quality, maintainable code in research team environments.
- Experience working with statistical signal processing, Monte-Carlo simulation, probability theory.
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Learn more about life at Nokia.
About the Business Group
The Strategy and Technology organization drives Nokia’s future innovation by identifying value-creation opportunities, setting a unified company vision, and developing coherent business, technology, and architecture strategies. It establishes a research foundation for new products and solutions while providing critical infrastructure to support secure and effective execution across all Nokia business units.
Nokia Bell Labs, the world-renowned industrial research arm of Nokia has pioneered breakthrough foundational technologies over the past 100 years like the transistor, laser, Unix, and solar cell - shaping modern communications, computing and connectivity. Today, it drives innovation in AI, quantum computing, 6G, and space communications, bridging groundbreaking research to real-world applications with meaningful impact on society. With ten Nobel Prizes and five Turing Awards, Nokia Bell Labs continues to define the future of technology.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.
If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.
The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.
Some of our benefits for students in the US:
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes to balance study, work, and life
- Professional development events and networking opportunities
- Well-being programs, including Personal Support Service 24/7 - a confidential support channel open to all Nokia employees and their families in challenging situations
- Opportunities to join Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs) and build connections across the organization
- Employee Growth Solutions, mentorship programs, and coaching support for your career development
- A learning environment that fosters both personal growth and professional development – for your role and beyond
Disclaimer for US/Canada
Nokia maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.
All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 3 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.
Top Skills
Computer Science
Electrical Engineering
Mathematics
Monte-Carlo Simulation
Optical Signal Detection Algorithms
Photon-Counting Statistical Models
Physics
Probability Theory
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