Research Fellow – Radar Signal Processing – College of Engineering and Physical Sciences – 107627 – Grade 7 Full-time

Job Description

College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2026

Closing date: 2nd August 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Applications are invited for a Research Fellow in radar signal processing. The Research Fellow will be joining the Microwave Integrated Systems Laboratory (MISL) at the University of Birmingham to work as part of an international team on the project “Advanced Signal Processing for Target Detection in the Dynamic Auroral Ionosphere”.

Over The Horizon Radar (OTHR) systems are increasing the ability to detect and track objects at long ranges with greater accuracy and at lower cost. However, the auroral ionosphere is a highly dynamic environment making consistent reliable detection a complex task. The research fellow will create, and contribute to the creation of, knowledge by undertaking research activities in the area of Signal Processing within the project. Knowledge of signal processing in the field of radar is preferred.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work as part of the world leading MISL at the University of Birmingham. MISL is the largest academic research team in the UK working in radar, remote sensing and signal processing. MISL is a unique collaborative environment delivering world-class cutting-edge research in the areas of radar (quantum enabled, synthetic aperture, forward scatter), space domain awareness, sensors for situational awareness for autonomous platforms, and signal processing and AI-based cognitive sensing.

Role Summary

• Work within the project “Advanced Signal Processing for Target Detection in the Dynamic Auroral Ionosphere”
• Operate within the area of signal processing with a preference for radar signal processing
• You will develop signal processing algorithms
• You will investigate application of the algorithms to real data
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• You will contribute to writing technical reports and the preparation of presentations to project funders and stakeholders

Main Duties

• To develop, implement and evaluate signal processing algorithms suitable for use with a highly dynamic auroral ionosphere environment
• To engage with project partners regarding the design and integration of different algorithms in the processing chain
• To contribute to the dissemination of the project outcomes through reports and presentations to the project funders and stakeholders

Other responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in Electronic Engineering, Physics, or related field and a Phd (or close to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent experience
• The ideal candidate will have experience developing signal processing algorithms with experience in radar signal processing a bonus
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Marco Martorella, email: m.martorella@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.