Postdoctoral Researcher Wireless Communication and Sensing/ UAV networks (Dublin)

Postdoctoral Researcher – Wireless Communication and Sensing/ UAV networks (Dublin)
Contract Type: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Wireless Communications Laboratory at Tyndall National Institute in Dublin is advertising for the position of a Post-Doctoral Researcher in Wireless Communications and Sensing/UAV networks within the RI Arc Hub TEMPEST and Royal Society project SONGBIRD, and reporting to Dr Boris Galkin. The successful candidate will develop signal processing algorithms which will allow for the detection and localisation of transmitted signals in the RF spectrum, to be deployed on UAVs. The UAVs are deployed by emergency services to locate wireless signal transmitters for emergency search & rescue as well as asset-tracking scenarios.

Tyndall’s Wireless Communications Laboratory is based in the campus of Trinity College, Dublin. The post offers a superb opportunity for an ambitious individual to work collaboratively on exciting, cutting-edge science at the interface between academia, industry and across multiple teams.

As part of this it is expected that follow-up opportunities within the lab will be available after the successful completion of the TEMPEST projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Create signal processing algorithms to detect, classify, and localise cellular, WiFi, as well as other types of wireless communications signals that are detected in the RF spectrum.
• Implement and validate algorithms using programming languages such as C++, Julia, Python and MATLAB.
• Deploy the created algorithms on programmable software-defined radios and verify their performance in real-world trials involving ground transmitters and UAVs.
• Disseminate research achievements through publications in prominent journals and at key conferences.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD degree in Computer Science, Wireless Communications, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience of working with cellular communication systems at the physical (PHY) and MAC layers.
• Proficiency with embedded systems and software-defined radios  
• Proficient in mathematical modelling tools such as C++/Python/MATLAB/Julia.
• A publication record in IEEE or ACM journals and conference publications.

Desirable Criteria

• A PhD Qualification with +4 years’ experience.
• Experience in the field of UAVs and aerial communication systems is highly desired.
• Demonstration of experience with prototyping and testing communication systems in real-world conditions.
• Good familiarity with cellular (4G, 5G) and WiFi standards.
• A history of secured research funding from government agencies or industry.
• Experience supervising junior team members, including PhD students.
• Experience working on industry projects, with a track record of industry collaborations.
• Ability to engage in the wider research activities of the research group.
• Experience with Education and Public Engagement activities, as well as promotion of research to the wider public.

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Duration of Contract is approximately 24 months

For any informal queries, please contact Dr. Boris Galkin or Dr Lester Ho.

Appointment will be on the UCC Postdoctorate Researcher salary scale (€46,306 to €52,863 per annum) based on qualification and experience. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.

Closing date for application is 1pm on 12th September 2025

Application Instructions:
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.
The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.