Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Optical Communications Security

Location: Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ

We are seeking a full-time Post Doctoral Researcher to join the Communications research group at the Department of Engineering Science. The post is funded by a University Challenge Seed Fund grant and is fixed-term to 29 February 2028.

The Secure Encryption Key Exchange (SEKE) project is aimed at developing an eavesdropper detection system based on noise statistics for optical communication links. This builds on a similar system demonstrator for RF links.

The key responsibilities and duties are:

• Developing professional technical documents and reports as deliverables.
• Prepare research outputs for presentation and demonstrations.
• Management of your research and administration of the laboratory with guidance where required.
• The development of an optical fibre link SEKE demonstrator, involving: specifying and ordering components from which to construct it; evolution of a robust testing system including a model eavesdropper; extension of the system to develop a free space link; performing demonstration measurements and tests.
• Documenting the work as appropriate including operating instructions, scientific publications and patents if required.
• You should hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in a subject relevant to communications engineering
• Have a track record of work in leading journals relevant to the field,
• Have practical experience of optical fibre communications technology and communications theory
• Familiarity with code development for Software Defined Radio systems and suitable programming environments (e.g., Python, APIs, automation frameworks, Jupyter, etc.).
• Experience in program development and experimentation with testbeds for communication systems
• Be prepared to engage with non-conventional approaches to system design.
• Have highly developed written and oral communication skills in English, excellent presentation, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Be self motivated to achieve research objectives and have the ability to work effectively and independently as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Informal inquiries may be addressed to Chris Stevens (email: chris.stevens@eng.ox.ac.uk)

For more information about working at the Department, see www.eng.ox.ac.uk/about/work-with-us/

Only online applications received before midday on Monday 6 July 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a covering letter/supporting statement, including a brief statement of research interests (describing how past experience and future plans fit with the advertised position), CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.

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