Research Fellow - School of Engineering - 106112 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed university in Birmingham is seeking a Researcher to join their Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory. The successful candidate will work on an EPSRC funded project, contributing to advancements in quantum-enabled sensing and space monitoring. A PhD in radar image processing or related field is required. This role offers full-time engagement with a competitive salary range, while promoting a diverse and inclusive culture.

Qualifications

• PhD qualification or near completion in radar image processing or related fields.
• Strong background in aerospace propagators and radar measurements.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data.

Skills

Radar image processing

Signal processing

Modeling and simulation

Analytical capability

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Position Details

School of Engineering, Department of Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

FTC, Full Time up to 18 months

Closing date: 2 October 2025

Background

The researcher will be part of the research team within the Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory (MISL) and University of Belfast group of Prof. Iain Styles to work on EPSRC funded project Multi-dimensional quantum-enabled sub-THz Space-Borne ISAR sensing for space domain awareness and critical infrastructure monitoring – SBISAR, to create a framework of novel approaches and methods for characterising objects in space.

Role Summary

• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Present research outputs, including drafting peer-reviewed top level journal papers, technical reports, create and maintain data or software repositories
• Write conference papers and present results at relevant top-rank conferences to ensure that results are disseminated timely
• Work with the SBISAR Research and Academic Team, support other research staff, supervise students on research related work and provide guidance/co-supervise PhD students where appropriate to the subject of research
• Contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to exploring and writing new proposals within the area of specialism

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some, but not all the responsibilities outlined below.

• Continue Development of Quantum-enabled InISAR & Dstributed ISAR network, including
• Devising synchronisation requirements for multi-static systems modelled by use of aerospace propagators and models
• Simulating multi-static 2D and 3D ISAR imagery from synchronized sensors
• Devising experimental methodology and conducting experiments to validate the models and simulation

• Conduct a broad range of measurements of reflectivities of space objects and debris for mono-/ bi-static configurations at multiple frequencies, polarisations and incidence angles, for a range of deployment topologies and behavioural patterns of the objects
• design a complex of verification experimental tests and perform simulation of representative targets in proprietary and commercial EM simulators

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required

Contribute to writing bids for research funding

Analyse and interpret data

Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding

Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline

Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Undertake management/administration arising from research

Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews

Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters

Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research

Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• PhD qualification (or near to completion) in the field of radar image processing, signal processing, space-based systems, modelling and simulation. Upper class degree in physics, electrical engineering aerospace and space technologies or related disciplines (or equivalent qualifications) are expected with experience in radar SAR measurements and processing, modelling and simulation
• Strong background in use of aerospace propagators for satellite encounter modelling, quantum clocks and oscillators, signal processing and related technologies is highly desirable
• Fluency in relevant models, modelling techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes

Informal enquires can be made to Prof Marina Gashinova: [e-mail]

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.