Academic Position in Communication/Network Engineering

About the Role

RMIT University is seeking to appoint an outstanding academic in Communication/Network Engineering within the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Engineering. This is one continuing, full-time position that may be appointed at Academic Level C, D or E, depending on the successful candidate’s experience, track record and level of appointment sought.

The successful candidate will contribute to teaching, research, industry engagement and academic leadership in areas including communication engineering, network engineering, network security, telecommunications infrastructure, wireless and space communications, 6G and beyond, and advanced communication and networking technologies.

We are particularly interested in candidates with strong theoretical foundations and hands-on expertise in the design, development, integration and validation of telecommunications systems, including capability in areas such as software-defined radios, RFSoCs, RF and millimetre-wave systems and devices, high-speed signal processing, embedded system design, network simulators and emulators, network security simulators, and network testbeds such as ORAN.

The appointment level will be determined with reference to the candidate’s demonstrated academic achievements, research profile, teaching capability, leadership experience and alignment with the relevant Academic Level C, D or E expectations.

To be considered for appointment at Level C, you will have:

• An emerging nationally recognised research track record in communication engineering, networks and security, 6G and beyond, aerial and space communications, including substantial research outputs in high-quality outlets.
• Experience in the design and development of research testbeds, integrating hardware platforms and associated software systems to test, validate, and evaluate research outcomes in practical environments.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate large courses and deliver high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, including curriculum development, assessment design and student-centred learning improvements.
• Experience developing and leading high-quality research projects, attracting external research funding, supervising higher degree by research candidates, and building productive research collaborations.

To be considered for appointment at Level D, you will also have:

• A nationally recognised research track record with a substantial record of research outputs in high-quality outlets and emerging international recognition.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in the design and development of research testbeds, integrating hardware platforms and associated software systems to test and validate research outcomes, evaluate system performance, and demonstrate engineering concepts in practical and realistic operating environments.
• Extensive research leadership experience, including the ability to build and mentor collaborative research teams, attract and manage external research funding, and deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to lead advancement in teaching, implement program improvements, contribute to academic governance, and support scholarly development within the discipline.

To be considered for appointment at Level E, you will also have:

• A distinguished national and internationally recognised research profile, with evidence of eminent standing and sustained contribution to the discipline.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the design, development, and deployment of research testbeds, integrating hardware and software systems to test and validate research outcomes, demonstrate concepts in practical environments, and advance proposed solutions towards higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs).
• Proven ability to establish, sustain and grow research groups, centres or major research programs through external funding, partnerships and high-impact research outputs.
• Demonstrated strategic academic leadership, including leading teaching and research excellence, contributing to School, College and University strategy, and influencing the wider professional, industry or community sector.

Qualifications:

Mandatory for appointment at Level C, D or E: PhD in a related field or approved AQF equivalency with relevant industry experience.

Please Note: Appointment to this position is subject to passing a Working with Children and National Police Check.

Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering

The Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering is one of RMIT’s largest departments, with a strong reputation for research and innovation across photonics, electrification, sensors, electronic manufacturing, power and automation/control, and telecommunication systems and networks.

In 2025, the department's research grant income exceeded $17 million, with nearly $65 million secured over the past five years.

The Department leads major research initiatives including COMBS, the D2D manufacturing facility, COMAS and the national centre for electrification, and has strong engagement with defence and industry partners in RF systems, antennas, materials, space and wireless communications.

The Department delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across electrical, power, control and automation; analog/digital, RF and microelectronics; embedded, computer and software; and communication and networks.

The Department also delivers offshore teaching programs in Hong Kong and India and maintains strong industry partnerships across funded research, work-integrated learning, student placements and project co-supervision.

To Apply

• Submit your CV, cover letter, and a separate document addressing the Key Selection Criteria via the ‘Apply’ link below.
• In your cover letter, state the academic level you wish to be considered for: Level C, Level D or Level E.
• If you are open to more than one level, please indicate this clearly.

For further information about this position, please see the Position Descriptions hyperlinked below or contact Professor Kandeepan Sithamparanathan via email kandeepan.sithamparanathan@rmit.edu.au

For further information regarding recruitment processes, please contact Jennifer Pham, Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor via email at jennifer.pham2@rmit.edu.au Please do not share your application to this email address.

• Position Description – Senior Lecturer (Level C)
• Position Description – Associate Professor (Level D)
• Position Description – Professor (Level E)

Applications Close:

26 Oct 2026 11.59 pm

RMIT is an equal opportunity employer committed to being a child safe organisation. We are dedicated to attracting, retaining and developing our people regardless of gender identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and age. Applications are encouraged from all sectors of the community, and we strongly encourage applications from the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

In line with RMIT University’s commitment to a safe, respectful and inclusive environment, from 1 January 2026, the University will also consider gender-based violence (GBV) risk factors as part of our recruitment processes. All applicants will be required to complete a gender-based violence declaration in accordance with the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence. Preferred candidates will also be required to undertake relevant pre-employment background checks, including Working With Children Checks. Information provided will be treated confidentially and considered only for its relevance to the role and RMIT’s safety obligations.

At RMIT, we are committed to supporting adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, as well as during employment. We actively support and encourage people with disability to apply to RMIT (including alternate formats of application forms). To discuss adjustment requirements, please contact Dani, via talentsupport@rmit.edu.au or visit our Careers page for more contact information - https://www.rmit.edu.au/careers.

We are a Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant.

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