Overview
Job title: Research Assistant in Satellite Communication Systems
Directorate: School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Contract Type: Part Time (0.5FTE/17.5 hours per week), Fixed Term (4 Months)
Grade: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 pro rata
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full-time staff (Part-time workers pro rata). Use our total rewards calculator to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
Purpose of Role
A technologist position is available as part of an exciting EPSRC project aiming to establish an experimental satellite ground station facility. The post will be held within the Microwave and Antenna Engineering Group at Heriot-Watt University and will involve the development of wireless and satellite communication setups and demonstrators featuring entire RF front-ends as well as digital baseband. The selected candidate will work with other group members as well as external industrial partners to plan, design, and implement a satellite ground terminal as well as run test campaigns using this facility.
Job Description
We are seeking candidates with a record that demonstrates their capability to effectively deliver the required research activities. You will have practical knowledge and experience in the area of RF subsystems for satellite communications. You will be competent in microwave device and subsystem design, including RF PCB design and development. You should have a good understanding of challenges in hardware implementation involving passive and active RF devices, and be prepared to work on interfacing optical, radio, digital and mechanical equipment to integrate fully functional satellite receivers. The project will involve the integration of equipment and subsystems towards wireless and satellite communication systems. A strong practical understanding of electronic systems is expected. This role relates to high quality, self-motivated individuals who can contribute to advanced research in electromagnetics, microwave and antenna engineering and to expanding the teaching knowledge base within the School’s Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering disciplines.
For an informal discussion regarding this position, please contact Professor George Goussetis. Tel: 0131 451 3055, Email: G.Goussetis@hw.ac.uk
For more information, please visit: https://microwaves.site.hw.ac.uk/
Key Duties And Responsibilities
* To review, design, implement and test the microwave modules and integrate them for satellite ground station.
* To undertake the development of RF subsystems.
* To develop RF PCBs suitable for satellite systems.
* To compile written reports and articles suitable for publication and contract fulfillment on the techniques, designs developed and results obtained.
* Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
* Carry out any other duties designated by the line manager and which fall within the general ambit of the post.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and priorities and requirements evolve.
Essential
Education, Qualifications & Experience
* HNC or equivalent in electronics.
* Experience in the development of radio frequency subsystems such as Low Noise Blocks or Block Up-Converters
* Experience in the development of RF Printed Circuit Boards
* Good understanding of the challenges associated with RF and Microwave hardware implementation.
* Practical experience of applying the specialist skills and techniques required for the role.
* Effective communication, report preparation, time management to meet deadlines.
* Flexibility to travel for meetings
* Must be prepared to work as part of a team.
* Ability to contribute to method improvement where required.
Desirable
* BEng/MEng in Electronics
* Experience with satellite communication subsystems.
* Experience of collaborative research or working in a team.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system: (1) Cover letter describing interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Friday 3rd October 2025.
At Heriot-Watt we are committed to equality of opportunity in employment and to creating an environment where individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and treated on the basis of merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are about maximizing potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. We welcome applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
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