Research Associate

Role Description

Department

The School of Physics, Engineering and Technology brings physicists and engineers together to push the frontiers of knowledge, foster innovation and meet the grand challenges facing society. Our aim is to develop new technologies that work for the public good, in an environment where everyone can thrive.

As a School, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to our culture and we strive to provide a working environment which allows all staff and students to contribute fully, to flourish, and to excel. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive and egalitarian culture at all levels and offer a range of family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, campus facilities and services to support staff from different backgrounds. The School is proud to hold Juno Champion, and Athena Swan awards.

The School has recently secured very substantial funding for several wireless communications projects focusing on Open RAN for next generation radio access networks. YO-RAN, a £7.3M collaborative project led by York, has recently started, funded by the UK Government, Department of Digital, Science Innovation and Technology as part of its Future Open Networks Research Challenge. Alongside YO-RAN a new, York-led £5.1M project has recently been awarded on O-RAN funded by the UK Government, and a £1.2M collaborative project funded by EPSRC that is investigating Cell-Free Massive MIMO.

Role

This role is primarily focused on the investigation and development of Cell-Free Massive MIMO, as well as participating in technology trials. The successful candidate will have experience of computer simulation at link and/or system level, as well as excellent theoretical skills. They will also have a good publication record, and should be prepared to work to tight deadlines, as part of a large multi-institution project. The role is available on a fixed term basis until February 2026.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

You will have:

• First degree in Electronic Engineering, Computer Science or a cognate discipline
• PhD in Communications Engineering or equivalent experience
• Knowledge in Wireless Communications and a range of research techniques and methodologies
• Research expertise in an area that will support and enhance the team's research strategy and goals
• Experience of carrying out both independent and collaborative research
• Experience of writing up research work for publication
• Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using own initiative
• Knowledge of Radio Access Network technology, Cell-free Massive MIMO, and 3GPP and/or O-RAN standards is desirable

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Kanapathippillai Cumanan (kanapathippillai.cumanan@york.ac.uk) or our HR team (pet-hr@york.ac.uk).

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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