"Research Assistant or Postdoctoral Research Associate in Electronic Engineering (Job Number: 24001090)"

Department of Engineering

Grade 6/7: - Grade 6 £29,605 - £30,487 per annum, Grade 7 £37,099 - £41,732 per annum

Fixed Term - Full Time

Contract Duration: Grade 6: 8.5 months or Grade 7: 6 months

Contracted Hours per Week: 35

Closing Date: 16-Sep-2024, 6:59:00 AM

Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: Not Applicable.

Working at Durham University  

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, and a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.  

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county, and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. 

Our Purpose and Values

We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Durham? information page.  

The Department

The Department of Engineering at Durham University is recognised as being one of the very best in the UK. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) exercise of 2021, the Department had 95% of publications rated as 3*/4*, and all impact case studies graded 3*/4*.  The Engineering Department demonstrates significant depth of research excellence across a range of disciplines, with activities that are currently concentrated around three Research Challenges (Sustainable Infrastructure, Future Energy Systems and Advanced Materials, Electronics and Communications) and eight Research Nodes which group staff under technical expertise and interest (see https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/academic/engineering/research/).

We are particularly proud of the collaborative interdisciplinary nature of our research, which also includes strong industrial partnerships.  The strategic vision for the Department includes a major growth over the next five years, with a significant enhancement of the research challenge portfolio and a drive to enrich our undergraduate, postgraduate taught and postgraduate research provision.

The Department is committed to an ethos of research-led teaching at all levels of our taught programmes, and is ranked 4^th in the Complete University Guide, 5^th in the Guardian University Guide and 6^th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 in the UK for General Engineering. The Department has improved its NSS scores year on year, is currently 4^th in the UK, being in the top quartile overall, and specifically for teaching, assessment and feedback, and organisation.

We are a scholarly community that is open, supportive, collegiate, representative and diverse: our commitment to this is expressed through the work of the Department’s Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Committee, and our Athena Swan Silver Award.

The Role

We are seeking either a Grade 7 PhD holder, or Grade 6 graduate to fill this role.  Owing to the available funding, the contract length will differ depending on which role the successful applicant is appointed to.

In both cases we are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious researcher with a strong background and experience in embedded system design to work on cutting-edge research in the development of wireless sensing transponders for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with Procter & Gamble (P&G) and is funded by the EPSRC Impact Accelerator Account (IAA).

This is a fixed-term role for 6 months at Grade 7, or 8.5 months at Grade 6, with an immediate start date, due to the project's focused scope.

The project

Traditional product inspections and monitoring during research and manufacturing in the industrial sector can often be subjective, highly manual, and invasive. This project aims to address these challenges by revolutionizing product monitoring through the adaptation of a battery-less, Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled wireless monitoring system. Initially developed for livestock health and wellbeing monitoring, this scalable and cost-effective system will be transformed into an innovative Industry 4.0 solution tailored to P&G’s logistics requirements. The adapted system will facilitate real-time, non-invasive temperature and humidity monitoring, offering adaptability to specific logistics needs. By collaborating closely with P&G’s logistics and technical teams, the project seeks to validate the system’s proof of concept for their particular use cases.

Grade 6 Research Assistant key responsibilities:

• To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner.
• To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment. 
• To be actively involved in the research and innovation of the wireless sensing system, from design and prototyping to testing stages along with the industrial partner, in order to meet the target requirements.

 Grade 7 Post Doctoral Research Associate key responsibilities:

• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To conduct research on the innovation of the wireless sensing system to meet the target requirements, focusing on temperature and humidity range, accuracy, size, and reading range.
• To design and implement necessary hardware and software modifications to align with the new specifications, targeting a cost of <£5 per sensor in bulk production.
• To manage prototyping of the modified system and perform thorough lab testing to ensure functionality, reliability, sensitivity, power consumption, communication range, and sensing accuracy.
• To collaborate with the industrial partner to test the prototype in their industrial setting, such as in detergent product packaging, to evaluate real-world applicability.

Responsibilities common to both roles:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

In both cases, the post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

The post is fixed term owing to the available funding on this time-limited project and will end on or before 31^st July 2025.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by 1^st September 2024

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

• 27 days annual leave (30 days for the Grade 7 post) per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of up to 42 days per year.
• The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
• We offer a generous pension scheme, as a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state-of-the-art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community.
• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.
• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.
• If you are moving to Durham, you may be eligible for help with removal costs, and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to Equality, Diversity And Inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our Purpose and Values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritized ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. 

Contact Information 

Department Contact for Academic-Related Enquiries 

Dr Roy B. V. B. Simorangkir, Assistant Professor in Electronic Engineering (roy.b.simorangkir@durham.ac.uk)

Contact Information for Technical Difficulties When Submitting your Application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk 

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. 

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

1. A CV and;
2. A cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below indicating which post is being applied for.

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will normally include a presentation to staff. In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.  

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification 

Grade 6 Research Assistant 

Essential Criteria 

1.     A Masters in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or closely related subject.

2.     Experience in conducting academic research or providing research assistance in the field of embedded systems and wireless sensing, including the use of standard research methods.

3.     Demonstrable ability to design, simulate, and prototype embedded systems, particularly for low-power and battery-less applications.

4.     Hands-on skills in PCB design, fabrication, and testing.

5.     Knowledge of embedded software development, including firmware design and optimization for low-power consumption.

6.     Familiarity with NFC technology and its application in IoT solutions.

7.     Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to propose innovative solutions to meet project requirements and strict deadlines.

8.     Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and liaise with a range of stakeholders.

9.     Demonstrable ability to document research findings and disseminate results through high-quality publications.

Desirable Criteria:

10.  A PhD (or be close to submission) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related subject. 

11.  Experience in collaborating with industrial partners.

12.  Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and their application in manufacturing and logistics.

13.  Familiarity with sustainability assessment and life cycle analysis of electronic products.

Grade 7 Post Doctoral Research Associate

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

1.     A PhD (or be close to submission) in Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related subject.

Experience

2.     Proven experience in conducting high-quality academic research in the field of embedded systems and wireless sensing.

3.     Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, commensurate with career stage.

Skills

4.     Demonstrable ability to design, simulate, and prototype embedded systems, particularly for low-power and battery-less applications.

5.     Strong hands-on skills in PCB design, fabrication, and testing.

6.     Proficiency in embedded software development, including firmware design and optimization for low-power consumption.

7.     Familiarity with NFC technology and its application in IoT solutions.

8.     Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to propose innovative solutions to meet project requirements and strict deadlines.

9.     Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team and liaise with both academic and industrial stakeholders.

10.  Demonstrable ability to document research findings and disseminate results through high-quality publications and presentations.

Desirable Criteria

Experience

11.  Experience in collaborating with industrial partners and translating research into practical applications.

12.  Experience in securing research funding and contributing to grant proposals.

13.  Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies and their application in manufacturing and logistics.

Skills

14.  Familiarity with sustainability assessment and life cycle analysis of electronic products.