Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development Closing date: Jul 16, 2026 in Oxford

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development Closing date: Jul 16, 2026 in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 39424 - 45212 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project developing miniaturised IoT devices for wildlife monitoring.
  • Company: Dynamic research group at the Department of Engineering Science.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to innovate in tech.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for publication and patenting.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental monitoring with advanced technology.
  • Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in communications engineering or microelectronics.

The predicted salary is between 39424 - 45212 £ per year.

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the communications research group at the Department of Engineering Science. The post is funded by the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency, and is fixed-term to 29/02/2028.

The project involves the development of a miniaturised bird ring with LTE connectivity and energy harvesting based power provision for very long duration monitoring. This involves the integration of energy storage, photovoltaics, LTE modules and controllers onto a very small footprint.

The key responsibilities are:

  • Developing professional technical documents and reports as deliverables
  • Preparing research outputs for presentation and demonstrations
  • Managing your research and administration of the laboratory with guidance where required
  • Developing the basic tag and system architecture, including: power harvesting and management; data collection approach; LTE antenna integration in an extremely small footprint; message format and data compression optimization; physical tag design compatible with its installation requirements (the leg of a bird); prototype tag building; and development of a simple server side system for data aggregation
  • Documenting the work as appropriate including operating instructions, scientific publications and patents if required

You must have a PhD (or be close to completion) in a subject relevant to communications engineering or have equivalent commercial microelectronic engineering experience. Knowledge of Long Term Evolution or Internet of Things device development and implementation is valuable, as well as experience in the design and realization of small prototype electronic products - including component selection, minimal sized PCB design and production.

You should have a track record of work in leading journals relevant to the field, be prepared to engage with non-conventional approaches to system design, and have highly developed written and oral communication skills in English, presentation skills, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Informal inquiries may be addressed to Chris Stevens (email: chris.stevens@eng.ox.ac.uk)

Only online applications received before midday on 16 July 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development Closing date: Jul 16, 2026 in Oxford employer: University of Oxford

Joining the Department of Engineering Science as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research within a collaborative and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee development, the department provides access to advanced resources and mentorship, fostering both personal and professional growth. Located at a prestigious institution, you will be part of a vibrant academic community that values creativity and encourages unconventional approaches to problem-solving.

University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development Closing date: Jul 16, 2026 in Oxford

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We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development Closing date: Jul 16, 2026 in Oxford

Communications Engineering
Microelectronic Engineering
Long Term Evolution (LTE)
Internet of Things (IoT) Device Development
Prototype Electronic Product Design
Component Selection
PCB Design

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development Closing date: Jul 16, 2026, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at University of Oxford a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to University of Oxford specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with University of Oxford, 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!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like University of Oxford want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.