Research Assistant/Associate in Optical Wireless Communication and Signal Processing x 3 (Fixed Term)

A position exists, for a Research Assistant/Associate in the Department of Engineering, to work on Optical Wireless Communication.

The post holder will be located in West Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.

Key responsibilities and duties

• Develop professional technical documents and reports as deliverables.
• Prepare research outputs for presentation at conferences and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Manage own research and administrative activities, with guidance where required.
• Communicate research findings and technical material of a specialist or highly technical nature.
• May provide limited supervision and instruction to PhD and Master's students.
• Build and maintain internal and external contacts and participate in research networks to exchange information and support future collaborations.
• Oversee and monitor progress of project activities.
• Plan the effective use of research resources, laboratories, and workshop facilities as appropriate.

Skills, qualifications and experience required

• Holds (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in a relevant specialist subject which includes: Optical wireless communication and Photonics.
• A significant track record in the field of Optical wireless communication, optical fibre, photonics, or radio communication (i.e. publications, presentations, etc.).
• Proven experimental skills on developing FSO proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Willingness to contribute to the wider activities of the group by participating in seminars, co-supervising students and taking part in outreach activities.
• Highly developed written and oral communication skills in English, excellent presentation, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated to achieve research objectives and ability to work effectively and independently as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.

Salary ranges:
Research Assistant: £33,002 - £35,608
Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 30 September 2026 in the first instance.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter, one page research plan (if you have one), and a publication list, with a brief description of your contribution to each, in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.

If you have any questions about this vacancy please contact Dr Iman Tavakkolnia it360@cam.ac.uk, for any queries about the process please contact Chloe Wong wyw30@cam.ac.uk.

Please quote reference NM49410 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

• Department/location: Department of Engineering
• Salary: £33,002-£35,608 or £37,694-£46,049
• Reference: NM49410
• Category: Research
• Date published: 14 April 2026
• Closing date: 28 April 2026