Senior Researcher II – Wireless Communication and Sensing/ UAV networks

Senior Researcher II – Wireless Communication and Sensing/ UAV networks (Dublin)
Contract Type: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Wireless Communications Laboratory at Tyndall National Institute in Dublin is advertising for the position of a Senior Researcher in Wireless Communications and Sensing/UAV networks within the RI Defence Challenge PLANE, RI Arc Hub TEMPEST and Royal Society project SONGBIRD, and reporting to Dr Boris Galkin. The successful candidate will develop signal processing algorithms which will allow for the detection and localisation of transmitted signals in the RF spectrum, to be deployed on UAVs. The UAVs are deployed by emergency services to locate wireless signal transmitters for emergency search & rescue as well as asset-tracking scenarios.

Tyndall's Wireless Communications Laboratory is based in the campus of Trinity College, Dublin. The post offers a superb opportunity for an ambitious individual to work collaboratively on exciting, cutting-edge science at the interface between academia, industry and across multiple teams.

It is expected that follow-up opportunities within the lab may be available after the successful completion of the PLANE and TEMPEST projects for suitable candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Create signal processing algorithms to detect, classify, and localise cellular, Wi-Fi, as well as other types of wireless communications signals that can be detected in the RF spectrum.
• Implement and validate algorithms using programming languages such as C++, Julia, Python and MATLAB.
• Deploy the created algorithms on programmable software-defined radios and verify their performance in real-world trials involving ground transmitters and UAVs.
• Disseminate research achievements through publications in leading journals and at leading conferences.
• Independently secure research funding from Irish and European funding agencies, as well as strategic industry partners.
• Participate in developing future research initiatives within the group.
• Participate in mentoring activities (junior staff and students) within the group.
• Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
• Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
• Carry out any additional duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.

Essential Criteria

• PhD degree and typically 8 years of post-PhD experience working in Computer Science, Wireless Communications, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
• Evident, Good knowledge of cellular communication systems at the physical (PHY) and MAC layers.
• Demonstrated proficiency with embedded systems and software-defined radios.
• Evident proficiency in mathematical modelling tools such as C++/Python/MATLAB/Julia.
• Good publication record in IEEE or ACM journals and conference publications.

Desirable Criteria

• Evidence of entrepreneurial experience and creative skills/creativity
• A PhD Qualification with over 8 year's experience in a relevant area.
• Excellent communication skills
• Experience in the field of UAVs and aerial communication systems is highly desired.
• Demonstrated experience in prototyping and testing of wireless communication systems in real-world conditions.
• Good familiarity with cellular (4G, 5G) and Wi-Fi standards.
• A history of secured research funding from government agencies or industry.
• Experience leading a project team and supervising junior team members, including PhD students.
• Experience working on industry projects, with a track record of industry collaborations.
• Ability to engage in the wider research activities of the research group.
• Experience with Education and Public Engagement activities, as well as promotion of research to the wider public.

Tyndall National institute has a proactive entrepreneurial culture and we welcome applications from candidates who possess entrepreneurial and creative skills/experience, including the creation of technology start-ups.

Appointment may be made on the Admin II, Grade 6a Salary Scale €72,044 – €91,259 per annum and the Admin III, Grade 6 Salary Scale €60,260-€71,946 per annum, dependent on relevant experience. Salary placement on appointment will be in accordance with the public sector pay policy.

Duration of contract is approximately 24 months.

For any informal queries, please contact Dr. Boris Galkin or Dr Lester Ho.
Closing date for application is 1pm on 12th September 2025.

Application Instructions
Please make sure to attach an up-to-date CV/Resume AND a brief motivation letter outlining how you meet the 'Essential Criteria' for this role.

A full candidate information pack is available to download by clicking here.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

Please note that an appointment to posts advertised will be dependent on University approval, together with the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer