Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne
Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications

Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne Full-Time 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
Northumbria University

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research and develop MASER-based RF and antenna systems.
  • Company: Northumbria University, a top-ranked research institution with a vibrant community.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holidays, excellent pension schemes, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in cutting-edge microwave communication research while collaborating with experts.
  • Qualifications: PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with RF and microwave expertise.
  • Other info: Join a diverse and inclusive environment with strong academic and industrial partnerships.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 ÂŁ per year.

Working as part of multi‑disciplinary teams, you will support the Principal Investigator in delivering research on MASER‑enabled RF, antenna, and free‑space microwave communication systems. You will design, model, and experimentally validate RF front‑ends, antenna systems, and downstream modulation and transmission architectures interfacing with a room‑temperature solid‑state MASER.

Responsibilities include system‑level integration, free‑space communication measurements under varying environmental conditions, detailed performance analysis, and contributing to technical reports and high‑quality publications. You will work collaboratively with colleagues within the Photonics Technology Group, as well as wider academic and industrial partners. This role is fixed term from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 (12 months), with potential for extension depending on performance and the availability of further funding.

This research project is based within the School of Engineering, Physics and Mathematics at Northumbria University, working under the supervision of Dr Juna Sathian, Associate Professor and an expert in MASER and laser technologies. You will join the MASER research group within the Photonics Technology Group, a team conducting internationally recognised work in room‑temperature MASER‑enabled microwave communication systems, with recent outputs published in high‑impact journals. You will work closely with the existing MASER team, including current PhD researchers and Postdoctoral Research Associates, contributing to an active and collaborative research environment. The group maintains strong academic and industrial partnerships and offers excellent opportunities for technical development and career progression.

Applicants should hold a PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Physics, or a related discipline, and have demonstrable specialist expertise in RF and microwave engineering, antenna design and testing, free‑space microwave communication, and the analysis and reporting of experimental results. Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Juna Sathian.

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.

Join Northumbria University, a research‑intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from over 140 countries, we offer world‑leading research, award‑winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work‑life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.

Our Northumbria Values, co‑created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold. Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on‑campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.

Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Northumbria University

Northumbria University is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a collaborative research environment, flexible working arrangements, and a range of benefits including generous holiday entitlement and excellent pension schemes. Join us in Newcastle upon Tyne, where you will be part of a diverse community dedicated to transforming society through world-leading research and impactful partnerships.
Northumbria University

Contact Detail:

Northumbria University Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current and former employees of Northumbria University, especially those in the Photonics Technology Group. A friendly chat can give us insights into the team culture and might even lead to a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into MASER technologies and recent publications from the group. We want to show that we’re not just interested but genuinely passionate about the research and its applications.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice our presentation skills! If we get the chance to present our previous work or ideas during the interview, let’s make it engaging and clear. Visuals can help, so consider using slides to showcase our expertise in RF and antenna systems.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email to Dr Juna Sathian can keep us on their radar and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a nice touch that reflects our professionalism.

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne

RF Engineering
Microwave Engineering
Antenna Design
Free-Space Microwave Communication
Experimental Validation
System-Level Integration
Performance Analysis
Technical Reporting
Collaboration
Data Analysis
Modulation and Transmission Architectures
Environmental Testing
PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or Physics

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in RF and microwave engineering, and how it aligns with the MASER project. We want to see your passion for the field and how you can contribute to our team.

Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your skills in antenna design and free-space communication. Include specific projects or research that demonstrate your expertise, as this will help us see why you're the perfect fit for the role.

Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: Since you'll be working in multi-disciplinary teams, it's important to highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of past collaborations and how you contributed to successful outcomes. We love seeing candidates who thrive in a collaborative environment!

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at Northumbria University!

How to prepare for a job interview at Northumbria University

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of RF and microwave engineering, antenna design, and MASER technologies. Be ready to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the role. This will show that you're not just a good fit on paper but also in practice.

✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit

Since this role involves working closely with multi-disciplinary teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and work towards common goals with colleagues from different backgrounds.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect some technical questions related to system-level integration and performance analysis. Brush up on your experimental validation techniques and be ready to explain your thought process when tackling challenges in free-space communication measurements.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or future research directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your career aspirations.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in RF and Antenna Systems for MASER-based Communications in Newcastle upon Tyne
Northumbria University
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne

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