About us

Researchers are invited to apply for a position of a research associate in data centre networks at the Department of Engineering, King’s College London.

The research team has pioneered the development of energy efficient architectures and protocols for communication networks over the past 15 years with a number of world-first contributions and awards. The research team is supported by facilities including a multi-million pound investment in test-beds for data centre and internet-of-things networks.

About the role

The role offers an exciting opportunity to undertake internationally-leading research in the field of optical data centres as part of the DIST-funded ECO-TAP (Energy-efficient Composable Optical Topologies for Assembled Processing) project.

The ECO-TAP project’s vision is to improve the energy efficiency of the networks that interconnect disaggregated servers in data centres by two orders of magnitude with a road map for improvements by up to four orders of magnitude by developing new data centre network architectures and algorithms for energy efficient disaggregation of servers.

With a PhD (or close to completion) in Electronic Engineering, Communications, Networks, or a related area, you will have experience in communication network design and optimisation using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and reinforcement learning (RL). A good track record of publications is essential and a proven ability to integrate into research teams and contribute to the training of postgraduate students are highly desirable.

This is a full time post (35 Hours per week), and you will be offered an a fixed term contract until 31/3/2025

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1.        A first degree and PhD (or close to completion) in Electronic Engineering, Communications, Networks, or a closely allied discipline;

2.        Research experience in communication network design and optimisation using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and reinforcement learning (RL).

3.        Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure;

4.        A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in high impact factor journals;

5.        Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills;

6.        A proven ability to manage competing demands effectively, responsibly and without close support;

7.        A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team;

Desirable criteria

1.        The ability to develop industrial relationships and seek future funding;

2.        Experience of assisting PhD/MSc students with their research;

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6. 

Further information 

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community.

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our ‘How we Recruit’ pages.

We are able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.