Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Electromagnetic Engineering

University of Sussex; Brighton; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Bronze Athena Swann Award

Job summary

University of Sussex invites applications for a research role focused on graphene-based programmable metasurface devices. The successful candidate will conduct design and computational work on advanced beamforming concepts at the nanoscale, leveraging CST/COMSOL/HFSS and Python/MATLAB for simulations.

The role requires a PhD or equivalent research experience, with strong EM theory and metasurface knowledge, plus ability to interpret data and work both independently and collaboratively within the

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in engineering, physics, electromagnetics or related field.
• Strong knowledge of electromagnetic theory, metasurfaces, graphene or related areas.
• Experience with computational EM modelling and design using CST/COMSOL/HFSS or equivalent.
• Scientific programming using Python or MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Design and computational analysis for graphene-based holographic metasurface devices.
• Analyze experimental data, validate models, and refine simulations.
• Collaborate with the 6G Lab (Sussex) and Graphene Centre (Cambridge) on project goals.

Skills

Electromagnetic theory

Metasurfaces

Python programming

MATLAB

Education

PhD or equivalent research experience

Tools

CST Studio Suite

COMSOL Multiphysics

HFSS

Job description

About the role

You will undertake design and computational work on the project “Graphene-Based Programmable Holographic Metasurface Devices for Magnetic Field Beamforming and Beam-Steering at the Nanoscale. The project is funded by a pump-prime grant from the UK Metamaterials Networks, supported by the EPSRC and is a collaboration between the 6G Lab at the University of Sussex and the Graphene Centre at the University of Cambridge.

About you

The successful candidate will hold a PhD, or equivalent research experience, in engineering, physics, electromagnetics, materials science or a related discipline, with strong knowledge of electromagnetic theory, metasurfaces, graphene or related areas. Essential experience includes computational electromagnetic modelling and design using CST, COMSOL, HFSS or equivalent, analysis and design of resonant structures and electromagnetic fields, and scientific programming using Python, MATLAB or similar. Candidates should also be able to interpret experimental data, validate and refine models, and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.

Desirable experience includes graphene plasmonics, terahertz devices, split-ring resonators, programmable metasurfaces, holographic beamforming or phased arrays, together with an emerging record of high-quality publications and research or knowledge-exchange activity.

About our School

In the School of Engineering and Informatics we cover the disciplines of computer, electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical, and automotive engineering, product design, digital media, computer science and informatics. Our distinctive characteristics are: creativity, interdisciplinarity, strong links with industries, and an international outlook in both research and teaching. £10m (£4.9m from HEFCE) has been invested in the Future Technologies Laboratory as a result of a 60% surge in applications for the School’s degrees.

Our interdisciplinary approach applies to our research, with current and recent externally funded projects with researchers in a wide range of other subject areas.

Innovative research across the School has led to a number of patents which are being commercialised including: novel electric potential sensors (EPS) licensed to Plessey Semiconductors and marketed as the EPIC sensor chip; and University spin-out companies, including InCrowd Sports, and TexRAD.

Please find further information regarding the School of Engineering and Informatics.

The School of Engineering and Informatics is proud to hold a Bronze Athena Swann Award.

Why work here

Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer.

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further Key Information

Please contact Maziar Nekovee ([e-mail]) for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Eligibility

Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role has been assigned an eligible SOC code, however, the role does not meet the eligibility for sponsorship due to its part-time nature. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.

Attachments: Job_Description_Ref_44224.pdf

Expected Interview Date: To Be Confirmed.

Expected Start Date: 20 November 2026

Fixed Term Contract Duration: Fixed Term until 19 May 2027.

£38,784 to £46,049. Grade 7, per annum, pro rata if part time.