Research Associate / Senior Research Associate / Research Fellow on Spectrum Access Innovation x 2 positions

Salary:

Grade I £40,704 – £45,641; OR

Grade J £45,641 – £51,258; OR

Grade K £52,788 – £59,390 per annum depending on experience

The role

The Smart Internet Lab is seeking two highly motivated, enthusiastic researchers of Grade I, J or K to research spectrum access techniques, focusing on automated and intelligent spectrum sharing technologies, looking at both technology enablers and policy consequences for wireless users, vendors, spectrum managers and spectrum regulators using JOINER National Spectrum Facility (JOINER-NSF).

The successful candidates will carry out research for the JOINER (https://joiner.org.uk) and HASC (https://allspectrumhub.org/) projects.

What will you be doing?

You will work with the JOINER and HASC projects and will focus on spectrum access innovation with particular emphasis on automated, spectrum assignment techniques and the creation of a spectrum digital twin. You will also carry out experimental/proof-of-concept implementation work to demonstrate the applicability of your research. 

Your main research responsibilities may include:  

• Conduct research into spectrum access, sharing and assignment, with a focus on automated and intelligent approaches.
• Collect and analyse spectrum data using JOINER’s national monitoring infrastructure, identifying patterns and developing datasets and tools to understand spectrum use.
• Develop and test spectrum-sharing techniques using software-defined radio and wireless system emulation across technologies including 5G/6G, Wi-Fi and satellite.
• Apply AI/ML and data-driven approaches to spectrum management and contribute to the development of a national spectrum digital twin.
• Contribute to the development and support of the JOINER National Spectrum Facility, working with researchers and external partners.

You should apply if

• You have a PhD or equivalent research experience in a relevant area, or for Grade K, a relevant postgraduate research degree and substantial research experience.
• You have knowledge of spectrum assignment and allocation, spectrum policy and regulatory frameworks.
• You have experience with RF systems, wireless technologies and software-defined radio, ideally including USRP/GNU Radio.
• You have strong programming and data analysis skills, particularly with Python, C++ or similar, and experience working with large datasets.
• You have experience or a strong understanding of AI/ML, particularly its application to spectrum management or time-series data.
• You can demonstrate experience conducting research, analysing results and communicating findings through technical reports, scientific papers or presentations.
• You are able to work collaboratively across disciplines, learn quickly, take initiative and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• For Grade J/K, you should also be able to demonstrate increasing research independence, publication experience and leadership appropriate to the level.

Additional information

To find out more about what it's like to work in the Faculty of Engineering, and how the Faculty supports people to achieve their potential, please see our staff blog:

https://engineering.blogs.bristol.ac.uk/category/engineering-includes-me/

Contract type:

Position 1 – Open ended with fixed funding until 01/11/2028

Position 2 – Open ended with fixed funding until 31/03/2030

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 03/11/2026

For informal queries please contact: Dr Xiaolan Liu , Lecturer - Email: xiaolan.liu@bristol.ac.uk

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Available documents

• ACAD108739 - Research Associate -Senior Research Associate - Research Fellow on Spectrum Access Innovation - JD (1).pdf

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