Postdoctoral Research Fellow
This Innovate UK funded full-time post is available from 01/09/2026 till 31/10/2027 on a fixed-term basis.
The starting salary will be from £43,482 on Grade F, depending on knowledge, skills and experience.
At the University of Exeter, we are committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all our staff to share this commitment.
The Role
Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
The Faculty wishes to recruit two Postdoctoral Research Fellows to participate in a project that aims to develop technologies for seamlessly integrating Terrestrial Networks (TN) and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into a unified future network architecture. The project focuses on cloud-native multi-access edge computing, radio resource management, network slicing, traffic steering, and distributed orchestration across multiple clouds and network domains. The successful applicant will conduct research on learning-driven and optimisation-based methods for TN/NTN unified networks. The work will involve developing algorithms for resource allocation, network slicing, service orchestration, traffic steering, and performance optimisation. The post holder will design and implement algorithms, build simulation or experimental frameworks, analyse results, and contribute to project deliverables, publications and presentations.
The post will include 1) To undertake research as appropriate to the field of study. 2) To contribute to teaching and learning programmes in the School and to supervise postgraduate research students. 3) To act as research team leader. 4) To routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge as well as to peers. 5) To plan, co-ordinate and implement research programme activity.
About You
The successful applicants will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in insert subject area and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required.. Applicants will be able to demonstrate knowledge of one or more of the following: wireless communications, 5G/6G networks, non-terrestrial networks, edge computing, cloud-native network systems, machine learning. Applicants should have a good understanding of machine learning, optimisation or data-driven algorithm design; strong programming skills in Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar languages; experience in mathematical modelling, simulation, algorithm development or performance evaluation; and good communication skills.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.
Further information
Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future
Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.
We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.
You can read more about our current accreditations and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here, including our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
What we can offer you:
- Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines;
- Support teams that understand the University wide teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly;
- An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development;
- Our Exeter Academic initiative supports high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career;
- A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy;
- A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/Cornwall.
How we can help
If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at
[email protected]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.