Research Associate in optical wireless networks

Job id: 079425. Salary: £42,405 - £49,785 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance.

Posted: 20 November 2023. Closing date: 03 January 2024.

Business unit: Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sci. Department: Engineering.

Contact details:Prof Jaafar Elmirghani / Dr Taisir Elgorashi. [email protected] / [email protected]

Location: Strand Campus. Category: Research.

Researchers are invited to apply for a position of a research associate in optical wireless networks at the Department of Engineering, King’s College London.  

The role offers an exciting opportunity to undertake internationally-leading research in the field of Optical Wireless Communication as part of the EPSRC funded Platform Driving The Ultimate Connectivity (TITAN) project. 

TITAN aims to conduct unique and highly transformative research on the interfaces of classic communication network elements to achieve the seamless, open and fully integrated network of networks. TITAN brings together 17 universities that individually lead research in crucial segments of communication networks and engages with industry to translate research into future products and provide crucial input for the development of new policies. 

Within TITAN, you will be part of the Optical Wireless Networks Integration lighthouse project. This lighthouse project focuses on optical wireless communication networks across multiple environments and all architectural elements while exploiting the sensing capabilities of optical signals. 

The research team at King’s has pioneered the development of optical wireless systems (OW) over the past 20 years, where a number of world-first contributions to optical wireless were made leading to data rates that increased as a result from few Mbit/s to multi Gbit/s with full mobility. The research team is supported by facilities including a multi-million pound investment in test-beds for optical communication networks and internet-of-things networks. 

With a PhD (or close to completion) in Electronic Engineering, Communications, Networks, or a related area, you will have experience in  optical wireless communication and network design and optimisation using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and machine learning (ML). A good track record of publications is essential and a proven ability to integrate into research teams and contribute to the training of postgraduate students are highly desirable. 

This post will be offered on a full time fixed-term contract for 17 months. 

This is a full-time  post - 100% full time equivalent

• Developing channel models and modulation and coding techniques for multi-service multi-user optical wireless systems;
• Developing optical wireless communications interference management and integration with other networks;
• Developing MILP optimisation models and machine learning (ML) algorithms;
• Preparing papers for publication in the top recognised journals and conferences in the field, and, where possible, to contribute to the preparation of grant proposals;
• Leading and supporting all the activities associated with the project;
• Contributing to joint discussions with the wider research group and collaborators;
• Interacting with, and providing assistance to, other staff in the research group;
• Continually updating your knowledge and understanding in the field or specialism and applying this knowledge to your work;
• Contributing to the training of postgraduate students, including assisting with the supervision of projects in areas relevant to the project.

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

• A first degree and PhD (or close to completion) in Electronic Engineering, Communications, Networks, or a closely allied discipline;
• Research experience in optical wireless systems channel modelling, modulation, coding, and interference management;
• Research experience in communication network design and optimisation using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and machine learning (ML).
• Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure;
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in high impact factor journals;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills;
• A proven ability to manage competing demands effectively, responsibly and without close support;
• A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team;
• A strong commitment to your own continuous professional development.
• The ability to develop industrial relationships and seek future funding;
• Experience of assisting PhD/MSc students with their research.

Essential criteria  

1.       A first degree and PhD (or close to completion) in Electronic Engineering, Communications, Networks, or a closely allied discipline;  

2.       Research experience in optical wireless systems channel modelling, modulation, coding, and interference management; 

3.       Research experience in communication network design and optimisation using mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and machine learning (ML). 

4.       Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and work effectively under pressure;  

5.       A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in high impact factor journals;  

6.       Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills;  

7.       A proven ability to manage competing demands effectively, responsibly and without close support;  

8.       A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team;  

Desirable criteria

1.       The ability to develop industrial relationships and seek future funding;  

2.       Experience of assisting PhD/MSc students with their research; 

* Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.