Application closing date: 02/12/2020
Salary: £33,797 to £36,914 per annum
Job category/type: Research

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow available for 12 months to develop electromagnetic (EM) metasurface techniques at the Institute of Electronics, Communications and Information Technology (ECIT), School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EEECS), Queen’s University Belfast. In this research, we will develop EM metasurfaces for the detection of air borne virus load indoors.

An awareness of nano sized particles in the multipath propagating environment, may be used for virus detection/suppression. Metasurfaces may provide solutions for facilitating resolution to this class of problem. These metasurfaces provide an aperture that can generate, controlled radiation patterns. These field patterns can then be used to detect nano air borne particles thereby facilitating their detection in the radio propagation channel. The overall effect may result in significantly simplified systems for the detection of air borne viruses.

The successful candidate must have:

• Hold or be about to obtain (within three months) a PhD in microwave engineering or physics focusing on metasurface scattering theory and techniques.
• At least a 2.1 undergraduate’s degree in electrical/electronic engineering.
• At least 3 years relevant research experience in metasurface techniques.
• Experience with CoMSol and electromagnetic simulation software, such as CST Microwave Studio.
• Experience in conducting measurements and characterisation of microwave and mmW devices using measurement equipment such as vector network analysers, RF anechoic chambers, near-field scanners, etc.
• A publication record in line with stage of career in prestigious leading journals (e.g. IEEE, Journal of Physics, Nature) and presentations at major international conferences.

This is a full-time fixed term position for 12 months.

The Centre for Wireless Innovation at ECIT is the UK’s largest research, development and exploitation base in physical layer wireless, and one of the strongest in Europe.

Our 60-strong team of research academics, postdocs, PhD students and engineers develop innovative underpinning technologies for Wireless. Their work focuses on the themes of RF through THz Systems and Signal Processing and Communication Theory. They collaborate specifically on six sub-themes: Future Cellular Systems, Physical Layer Secure Wireless, Electromagnetic Sensing, Green Wireless, Space Applications and Connected & Autonomous Systems.

Queen’s University Belfast is a driver of innovation based on our talented, multinational workforce. Throughout the University, our academics are collaborating across disciplines to develop new discoveries and insights, working with outside agencies and institutions on projects of international significance. We are connected and networked with strategic partnerships across the world, helping us to expand our impact on wider society locally, nationally and globally. The University is committed to attracting, retaining and developing the best global talent within an environment that enables them to realise their full potential.

We are a leader in gender equality and diversity, and are one of the UK’s most successful universities in the Athena SWAN initiative which promotes gender equality and career progression. We are ranked 1^st in the UK for knowledge transfer partnerships, (Innovate UK) 9^th in the UK for University facilities (Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2018) and 14^th in the UK for research quality (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019).

Based in Belfast, a modern capital city, our beautiful campus is surrounded by abundant acres of parkland and is renowned as one of the safest and affordable cities in the UK. The choice of local Schools from pre-nursery upwards are some of the best available, and lovers of the outdoors can enjoy any number of activities from rowing and kayaking to top class golf among many others. We are immensely proud of what our city and our University will offer you. Also protestants are currently under-represented in this category of work. As such, we particularly welcome applications from these individuals.

For full job details and criteria please see the Candidate Information link on our website by clicking ‘apply’. You must clearly demonstrate how you meet the criteria when you submit your application. For further information please contact Resourcing Team, Queen's University Belfast, BT7 1NN. Telephone (028) 9097 3044 or email resourcing@qub.ac.uk .

The University is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all. However, our employment monitoring data tells us that individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people with a disability and those who identify as LGBT+ are currently under-represented at the University. As such, we particularly welcome applications from these individuals.

As you may be aware, Queen’s is recognised as one of the most diverse organisations in Northern Ireland. We are committed to ensuring our workplace is a safe, welcoming and inclusive place to work, which is why we subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as Stonewall Workplace Equality Index, Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena SWAN.

It is also why we have established award winning Staff Networks such as PRISM and iRise. These networks provide an opportunity for staff to meet in a friendly, informal way to support each other.  More details on all our networks can be found at https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/StaffGateway/StaffNetworks/

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but, in particular circumstances, may be renewed or made permanent, subject to availability of funding.

Candidate Information
About the Centre
Further Information for International Applicants
Note to EEA Applicants on Brexit