Postdoctoral Research Associate in Radio Frequency (RF) Power Amplifier
Location: Riccarton, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate in Radio Frequency (RF) Power Amplifier role at Heriot-Watt University.
Role Overview
Grade: 7 – £37,694 – £47,389. Contract type: Full Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term (36 months). Start date expected February/March 2026. Remuneration includes 33 days annual leave and 9 bank holidays.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
* Develop RF and microwave power amplifiers addressing the strong interactions between antenna arrays and PAs.
* Use AI‑driven technology to achieve optimal performance.
* Integrate developed PA techniques into practical active antenna array demonstrators.
* Conduct experiments with existing USRP platform for wireless end‑to‑end demonstration.
* Carry out other general scientific research tasks, including analysis and interpretation of data, and daily oversight of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory.
* Deliver the research project to a high standard by meeting planned milestones and deliverables, reporting progress regularly to supervisors (verbally and in written reports), keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats.
* Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate.
* Work collaboratively and cooperatively in the Microwaves & Antenna Engineering Group.
* Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in teaching and supervision duties.
* Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners.
* Attend group and project meetings, communicate progress on a regular basis, deliver presentations to collaborators and the wider research community, and travel for international conferences.
* Write high‑quality research papers in English for scientific literature and disseminate results in peer‑reviewed journals, conferences, and other appropriate media.
Education, Qualifications and Experience
* A PhD in electrical engineering or other relevant subjects, with doctoral thesis submitted before starting.
* Strong experimental background in integrated circuits, GaN, CMOS, active antenna array, microwave engineering, or wireless communication.
* A record of high‑quality publications in the above fields.
* Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
Desirable
* Previous experience with GaN or CMOS PA development.
* Experience with AI‑driven integrated circuit technology.
* Experience with active antenna array development.
* Experience with wireless communication system demonstration with USRP and LabVIEW.
* Experience leading the writing of scientific papers.
* Evidence of guiding other researchers, such as PhD students and undergraduate project students.
* Capability to be self‑directed and think innovatively.
About the Team
The Institute of Signals, Sensors and Systems (ISSS) hosts Scotland’s largest and most dynamic microwave and antenna engineering group. The Microwaves & Antenna Engineering Group is a global leader in RF and microwave technologies, powering the physical layer of future wireless systems and advancing space and next‑generation wireless applications. The group consists of 11 academic experts and over 20 postdoctoral researchers and PhD students.
About Heriot‑Watt University
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to equality of opportunity, inclusion, and diversity. We support a vibrant community that values wellbeing and openness, and we provide a platform for research and teaching that delivers real‑world impact.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system: cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; full CV. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Sunday 16th November 2025.
For more information, contact Dr Haijun Fan (h.fan@hw.ac.uk).
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