Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Department of Engineering at Durham University invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate post funded by UKRI EPSRC, as part of the project "CHEDDAR: Communications Hub For Empowering Distributed ClouD Computing Applications and Research". This project aims to empower 6G communications in energy efficiency and distributed cloud computing applications and develop innovative research ideas to drive research and networking across the UK academic community.

The research area for this role must focus on end-to-end power consumption models and sustainability frameworks for 6G communications. The successful applicant is expected to: (i) develop high-fidelity mathematical models that quantify power consumption across entire E2E 6G communication chains, and (ii) develop a sustainability-centric management system that dynamically balances functional benefits against their energy costs.

Applicants should have a research background in communication systems and energy efficiency analysis, with experience in optimisation and AI tools using Python and MATLAB.

Key Responsibilities:
- Understand and convey specialist or highly technical material to the team through presentations and discussions leading to research papers at conferences and in publications.
- Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences including research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
- Publish high-quality outputs, including papers for peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations, focusing on E2E energy models and sustainability frameworks for 6G communications.
- Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
- Conduct individual and collaborative research projects on E2E energy models and sustainability frameworks for 6G communications, under the supervision of Prof. Hongjian Sun and Dr. Zhuangkun Wei.
- Work with the research group to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
- Deal with problems affecting the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with supervisors and offering creative or innovative solutions.
- Liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and form relationships for future research collaboration.
- Plan and manage own research activity and research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
- Deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
- Be involved in student supervision as appropriate and assist with the assessment of student knowledge.
- Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming.
- Engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
- Engage in continuing professional development through participation in teaching programmes, membership of departmental committees, and attending relevant training and development courses.

Person Specification — Essential Criteria:
1. A good first degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields.
2. A PhD (or be close to submission) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or a related subject.
3. Experience in conducting high-quality academic research.
4. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly ranked journals.
5. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at international conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
6. Experience in mathematical modelling, simulation and performance evaluation of communication and energy systems, using programming tools such as Python and Matlab.
7. Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.
8. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.
9. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Person Specification — Desirable Criteria:
10. Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
11. A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.
12. Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
13. Experience of overseeing students with respect to the development of their practical/research skills (e.g. acting as a demonstrator; supervising student projects/practicals).
14. Experience in energy-efficient wireless communications, optimisation techniques, AI-enabled communication networks, or end-to-end energy modelling and sustainability assessment.
15. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.

Benefits:
- 30 days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days (42 days total). The University closes between Christmas and New Year.
- Generous pension scheme; new staff are automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
- Ample parking across campus, cycle to work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, and a Tusker Car Benefit Scheme for leasing electric or hybrid vehicles.
- Comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications.
- Wide-ranging health and wellbeing support including discounted gym membership and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- On-site nursery rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and holiday camps for children aged 5–16.
- Among the most generous family-friendly policies in higher education.
- Volunteering opportunities within the local community.
- Exclusive discounts via a benefits portal and various salary sacrifice schemes.
- Support for relocation including removal costs assistance, house hunting support, and visa cost coverage with an interest-free loan scheme for dependant visas.