Postdoctoral Research Associate in Non-Terrestrial Networks and Edge Computing

Durham University; North East; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to develop next-generation non-terrestrial networking (NTN) technologies as part of the EPSRC project 'CHEDDAR'. The role involves engaging with academic colleagues and industry, delivering high-quality research outputs, and preparing presentations for various stakeholders. This is a fixed-term position for 5 months, aiming to enhance distributed cloud computing applications and advance research within the academic community.

Qualifications

• Strong background in networking technologies, especially NTN.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a research environment.
• Proven track record of research output with publications.

Responsibilities

• Develop next-generation NTN technologies and demos.
• Engage with colleagues and industry partners.
• Prepare and present research findings at conferences.

Skills

Non-terrestrial networking technologies

Edge computing

Integrated sensing and communications

Research output and publications

Presentation skills

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant field

Tools

Simulation tools

Emulators

Job description

This post holder will be responsible to develop next generation non-terrestrial networking (NTN) technologies and demos , including satellite, UAV-based edge computing, integrated sensing and communications (ISAC), and their applications (particularly in securing and rural scenarios) , and will be expected to support Dr. Zhuangkun Wei and Prof. Hongjian Sun. The post holder will proactively engage with academic, postdoctoral research and technical support colleagues, as well as students, within and external to the Department, including industry, to ensure that activities are undertaken to an appropriate standard.

The post holder will work with the Communication and THz Node , and the Durham Smart Grid Laboratory . Currently, the group has over 20 researchers and is a leading research facility that brings together advanced simulation tools, realistic emulators, and innovative testbeds to revolutionise smart grid research and 6G communication s . The group is equipped with an extensive array of resources.

Applications are invited for this Postdoctoral Research Associate post. Funded by UKRI EPSRC, the project "CHEDDAR: Communications Hub For Empowering Distributed ClouD Computing Applications And Research" aims to empower distributed cloud computing applications and develop innovative research ideas to drive research and networking across the UK academic community.

The successful applicant will be expected to deliver high-quality research outputs with publications in journals and leading conferences, develop real-world NTN demos, prepare and give presentations to wider range of audiences including project partners and other stakeholders of relevant technologies. Detailed responsibilities are given below.

This post is fixed term for 5 months because the project is time limited (31st March 2026).

The post-holder is employed to work on EPSRC project "Cheddar". Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post as soon as possible .