"Postdoctoral Fellow (Networking and AI / Wireless Signal Processing)"

Job Description

Wireless Research Centre, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Canterbury.
Located in Ōtautahi | Christchurch, Aotearoa | New Zealand

• Full-time 37.5 hours per week (1.0 FTE)
• Fixed term (2 years) position
• Salary range $70,000 – $85,000
• Two roles available

Kia hiwa rā, kia hiwa rā!

He hiahia, he pūkenga nōu ki te mahi a te Postdoctoral Fellow? Nāia te pōwhiri nā Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha kia tono mai i te tūranga nei.

Āu Mahi | What You Will Do

The Wireless Research Centre has an opportunity for two Postdoctoral Fellows to participate in research projects that advance next-generation wireless, geolocation and AI-enabled communication and networking systems. In these roles you will undertake research centered on the intersection of networking, communications, geospatial methods and machine learning models.

To be successful in this role, you will have excellent communication skills and written English, strong quantitative and analytical skills, the ability to work creatively and independently as well as part of a team, and a strong research background.

The successful applicants will be technically mentored by senior research scientists within the Centre. They are expected to conduct independent research towards agreed goals and guide the research of students as necessary.

They will report to Fred Samandari, Director of the Wireless Research Centre.

Mōu | Who You Are

To be successful in this position, you will ideally bring the following:

For the Networking and AI position:

• Completed a PhD in Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, or a closely related field
• Expert knowledge of deep learning and computer networking/systems is required
• Experience with AI as a platform and expert use of AI as a tool strongly desired
• Experience implementing a language model is a plus

For the Wireless Signal Processing position:

• Completed a PhD in Electrical & Computer Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Expert knowledge of wireless signal processing is required
• Experience in wireless localisation / geolocation technologies (including indoor positioning) is advantageous
• Familiarity with system integration of complex electronic, communication, and electromechanical components, such as UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)

For both roles you will also provide:

• A strong research background
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills
• A publication track record as well as experience with the preparation and delivery of quality oral presentations
• A proven ability to communicate complex ideas and concepts (both orally and in writing) to both scientific and non-scientific audiences
• The ability to work creatively and independently, as well as being an effective part of a team

Mahi Ngātahi | Who You Will Work With

You will work at the Wireless Research Centre and collaborate with academic staff from across UC, especially within the Faculty of Engineering. Your work will engage and guide undergraduate and postgraduate students and frequently include external research and industry partners.

For more information about our research centre and team, please visit us here – Wireless Research Centre | UC

Ngā Painga o UC | Why UC

Tangata Tū, Tangata Ora - Engaged, Empowered, Making a Difference.

The University of Canterbury is committed to accessible higher education, service to community and the encouragement of talent without barriers of distance, wealth, class, gender or ethnicity. The University explicitly aims to produce graduates and support staff who are engaged with their communities, empowered to act for good and determined to make a difference in the world.

What we offer

• Flexible working arrangements that also meet the needs of the Wireless Research Centre
• Supportive working environment
• Generous annual leave provisions and competitive salary
• Professional development opportunities
• A unique working environment in a beautiful campus with access to UC facilities such as the recreation centre and Staff club at discounted rates plus onsite cafés and eateries, and more

For more information, please visit: http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/joinus

For more information about Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, please visit www.canterbury.ac.nz

The closing date for this position is: March 31, 2026 (midnight, NZ time)*Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place before the close date. No appointment will be made if suitable candidates are not found.*

Pēhea te tono mai | How You Apply

Applications for this position must be submitted on our careers website and should include a cover letter and resume clearly indicating which position you are applying for. Please note, we do not accept applications by email, however we are happy to answer your queries in relation to the application process, please forward these to WorkatUC@canterbury.ac.nz

For further information specifically about the role, please contact: Fred Samandari fred.samandari@canterbury.ac.nz to discuss the opportunities associated with this position.

Appointable salary for a Postdoctoral Fellow will be $64,096 - $96,144 (pa)

For overseas applicants, please visit Immigration New Zealand website, to review the latest health and visa requirements for visiting and working in New Zealand.