Postdoctoral Research Assistant in IOT Hardware Development

Location: Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PJ

We are seeking a full-time Postdoctoral Research Assistant to join the communications research group at the Department of Engineering Science. The post is funded by the Advanced Research and Innovation Agency, and is fixed-term to 29/02/2028.

The project involves the development of a miniaturised bird ring with LTE connectivity and energy harvesting based power provision for very long duration monitoring. This involves the integration of energy storage, photovoltaics, LTE modules and controllers onto a very small footprint. The key responsibilities are:

• Developing professional technical documents and reports as deliverables
• Preparing research outputs for presentation and demonstrations,
• Managing your research and administration of the laboratory with guidance where required,
• Developing the basic tag and system architecture, including: power harvesting and management; data collection approach; LTE antenna integration in an extremely small footprint; message format and data compression optimization; physical tag design compatible with its installation requirements (the leg of a bird); prototype tag building; and development of a simple server side system for data aggregation.
• Documenting the work as appropriate including operating instructions, scientific publications and patents if required.

You must have a PhD (or be close to completion) in a subject relevant to communications engineering or have equivalent commercial microelectronic engineering experience. Knowledge of Long Term Evolution or Internet of Things device development and implementation is valuable, as well as experience in the design and realization of small prototype electronic products - including component selection, minimal sized PCB design and production. You should have a track record of work in leading journals relevant to the field, be prepared to engage with non-conventional approaches to system design, and have highly developed written and oral communication skills in English, presentation skills, organizational and problem-solving skills. 

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 16 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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