At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and simulate cutting-edge electromagnetic metasurfaces while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Loughborough University, a leader in engineering education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, competitive pay, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community focused on creating better futures together.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in innovative research and develop your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in simulations and measurements.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 41064 £ per year.
The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.
We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
We are proud to be a Real Living Wage Employer—so much so that we go beyond the standard, providing additional supplementary payments at specific pay points to further support our employees' financial wellbeing.
Loughborough University is a UKVI Sponsor. Some individuals may require sponsorship to enable them to apply for a visa to provide them with the right to work in the UK. Please note certain roles are not eligible for sponsorship.
Job details:
- Date posted: 13/08/2026
- Application closing date: 01/09/2026
- Location: Loughborough
- Package: Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,608 to £41,064 per annum.
Job description:
Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering. Full time, fixed term until 3 June 2027. Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.
Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
The successful applicant will work on different aspects of the project that span simulations and measurements of electromagnetic metasurfaces, analytical coding, printing, expertise in materials, and writing high quality journal papers.
We are looking for one Postdoctoral Research Associate on a full-time basis, to support the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funded grant: Transparent Transmitters and Programmable Metasurfaces for Transport and Beyond-5G (TRANSMETA) based in the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering (project must end by 30 June 2027).
The scope of the job is as follows:
- To design and simulate optically transparent electromagnetic mmWave metasurfaces.
- To develop analytical model based on theory.
- To fabricate optically transparent metasurfaces.
- To develop measurement rigs in collaboration with technicians.
- To carry out measurements of material properties, such as dielectric constant and loss.
- To carry out metamaterial, radiofrequency (RF) and antenna measurements.
- To collaborate with colleagues.
- To contribute to funding applications.
About the University:
Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society. At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.
About the School:
The Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University is one of the largest and most successful engineering schools in the UK, consistently ranked among the top ten for our disciplines. We combine world-leading research with an outstanding student experience, underpinned by long-standing partnerships with industry leaders. Our collaborative and ambitious culture supports colleagues to excel across research, teaching and enterprise in support of the University Strategy, Creating Better Futures. Together.
Why should you Apply?
With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Aakash Bansal and Prof William Whittow, via email to a.bansal@lboro.ac.uk and w.g.whittow@lboro.ac.uk.
For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification. We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Prof William Whittow. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.
Our Benefits:
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:
- Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
- Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
- Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
- Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
- Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
- Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.
Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.
Research Associate in Antennas and Metasurface Design in Loughborough employer: Loughborough University
Loughborough University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of advanced battery technologies. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this PhD studentship provides not only comprehensive funding but also extensive training opportunities, making it an ideal environment for aspiring researchers to thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in climate-resilient energy solutions.
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✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Loughborough University, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
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