Research Fellow

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2027

Background

We invite applications from a highly motivated postdoctoral scientist to join our dynamic group to develop sensing methodology for the automatic recognition and characterization of complex environments ahead of an airborne platform. The researcher will be part of the research team within the Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory (MISL) to work on Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) funded project REPLENISH: Repair and Evaluation of aerospace Products LinE side, Near wing, and In Shop. 

The candidate should hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a field related to radar, physics, microwave modelling, electromagnetic scattering and propagation. They should have a strong research and publication record, a demonstrated ability to master new subjects in a short timeframe and a passion for industry-relevant scientific research.

Main Duties

The main responsibilities are listed (but not limited to):

• Develop physical and phenomenological models of mm-wave and THz wave propagation and scattering on extended random media, including diverse fine and coarse particulate clouds with varying parameters, relevant to airborne platforms environment;
• Develop experimental methodology for sensing and characterization of scattering media using sensors operating within a wide spectrum range from mm-wave to THz;
• Collect and process data, create comprehensive datasets for further testing and validation; 
• Develop machine learning approaches for automatic classification and characterization of media under investigation;
• Develop verification methodology and provide a benchmarking with the state-of-the-art techniques;
• Disseminate research findings through publications in peer-reviewed journal papers and present the work at conferences, workshops and seminars;
• Prepare and present technical progress reports to industrial and academic collaborators;
• Co-supervise MSc and PhD students where appropriate to discipline;
• Undertake management/administration arising from research;
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research project; 
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort; 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.

Person Specification

• Hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a field related to radar, physics, microwave modelling, electromagnetic scattering and propagation
• High level analytical capability 
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly 
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones 
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes 

Good knowledge of:

• principles of RF, microwave and THz sensing; 
• numerical methods for mathematical and physical modelling of electromagnetic scattering;

Experience of:

• working with scientific instruments, including VNA, spectrum analyser, radar, etc. 
• programming and coding skills, using, at least, MATLAB and Python. 

Informal enquiries to Prof. Marina Gashinova, email: m.s.gashinova@bham.ac.uk and Dr. Beth Jelfs, email: b.jelfs@bham.ac.uk or Dr. Fatemeh Norouzian, email: F.Norouzian@bham.ac.uk (PI)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button.

Valuing excellence, sustaining investment

We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working

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