Research Associate in RF Design and Prototyping of Microwave Analog Computing

Imperial Enterprise; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

39 days off per year

Generous pension schemes

Job summary

Imperial College London is seeking a Research Associate in RF design and prototyping of microwave analog computing. The role involves designing and prototyping MiLAC, exploring reconfigurable microwave networks, and assessing feasibility for next-generation wireless networks.

Based at South Kensington, the post is full-time and funded through Sept 2028 with potential extension. The successful candidate will hold a PhD in RF design, modelling, or related areas, with a strong publication record

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in RF design, modelling, and prototyping of radio systems, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and/or metasurfaces.
• Publication track record in relevant journals or conferences.
• Strong knowledge of microwave circuit theory and RF design.

Responsibilities

• Take initiatives in planning research and developing methods for data collection and analysis.
• Conduct data analysis and ensure data validity and reliability.
• Maintain thorough records and write reports for sponsors.
• Present findings at conferences and submit publications.
• Provide guidance to PhD students and staff and contribute to bids for research grants.

Skills

Microwave circuit theory

Antenna design/measurement

RF system prototyping

Reconfigurable microwave devices

Metasurfaces and microwave computing

Education

PhD in RF design or related field

Job description

Research Associate in RF Design and Prototyping of Microwave Analog Computing

Job number ENG04071 Faculties Faculty of Engineering Departments Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Salary or Salary range £50,733 - £59,484 per annum Location/campus South Kensington Campus - Hybrid Contract type work pattern Annualised Hours - Full time Fixed term Posting End Date 15 Nov 2026

About the role

The post is funded by UKRI TITAN phase II to conduct original research in RF design, modeling, and prototyping of microwave analog computing. The successful candidate will design and prototype Microwave Linear Analog Computer (MiLAC) using non-reconfigurable and reconfigurable microwave networks, identify the full potential benefits of MiLAC for next generation wireless networks, and assess the feasibility of MiLAC.
This full-time, in-person postdoctoral position is based at Imperial College’s South Kensington Campus in London, UK, and is funded till 30 September 2028 with possibility to extend till 31 Mar 2030 (after passing project mid-term review).
In your application, clearly explain your expertise and your approach to design and fabricate reconfigurable microwave network to enable MiLAC and perform matrix inversion in the analog domain.

What you would be doing

Main Duties:

• To take initiatives in the planning of research
• To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data
• To conduct data analysis
• To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
• To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
• To write reports for submission to research sponsors
• To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
• To submit publications to refereed journals
• To provide guidance to staff and students
• To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
• To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community
• To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the College
• To provide guidance to PhD Students
• Contribute to bids for research grants
• To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision.
• To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
• To actively participate in the research programme of the Group

What we are looking for

Education

Research Associate: Hold a PhD (or be very near completion, or equivalent) in RF design, modelling, and prototyping of radio systems, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, and/or metasurfaces, reconfigurable microwave networks, microwave computing, and a significant publication track record.
*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as Research Assistant.

Experience

• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
  Practical experience in a broad range of techniques including
  • Microwave circuit theory
  • Antenna design/measurement
  • RF system prototyping/experimentation
  • Reconfigurable RF and microwave devices and microwave networks
  • Reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and/or metasurfaces and/or microwave computing
• Experience presenting and publishing scientific and/or technical research
• Practical experience within a research environment and / or publication in relevant and refereed journals
• Knowledge of microwave circuit theory, antenna design/measurement, RF system prototyping/experimentation, reconfigurable RF and microwave devices and microwave networks, reconfigurable intelligent surfaces and/or metasurfaces and/or microwave computing

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year and generous pension schemes).
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.

Further information

Please note that job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, and the post-holder may be required to undertake other duties, which are broadly in line with the above key responsibilities.

For any specific queries regarding the post please contact Prof Bruno Clerckx ([e-mail])

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

We reserve the right to close the advert before the stated closing date, should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

If you encounter any technical issues while applying online, please don't hesitate to email us at [e-mail]. We're here to help.

About Imperial

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This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

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