Postdoctoral Research Associate in Radio Frequency (RF) Power Amplifier

Role:Postdoctoral Research Associate in Radio Frequency (RF) Power Amplifier

Grade and Salary:Grade

Contract Type: Full-Time (35 hours per week) Fixed Term (36 Months)

Rewards and Benefits:33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff (Part time workers should pro rata this by their FTE). Use our total rewards calculator: to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Purpose of Role

The postdoctoral research associate is expected to carry out holistic power amplifier (PA) design for integrated direct-to-cell active antenna arrays. The project is expected to lead to technological progress and high-impact scientific publications in power amplifier design for satellite integrated active antenna array. The work will be conducted in the framework of a recently funded 3-year EPSRC project. The start date is expected in Feb/March 2026. It will be carried out under the supervision of Dr Haijun Fan who is the principal investigator of the project. For more information please send enquiry emails to Dr Haijun Fan ().

The application requires a CV and a cover letter explaining the motivation/interest in this project to be submitted through the university portal. Candidates are invited to specifically highlight in their applications how they fulfil the essential criteria for the post listed below.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The post holder is required to:

• Develop RF and microwave power amplifiers to address the strong interactions between antenna arrays and PAs.

• AI-driven technology to achieve optimal performance

• Integrate developed PA techniques into practical active antenna array demonstrators.

• Conduct experiment with existing USRP platform for wireless end-to-end demonstration.

• Carry out other general tasks involved in scientific research as analysis and interpretation of data and daily oversight of the activities of postgraduate and undergraduate project students in the laboratory.

• Carry out the research project to a high standard by:

1. Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
2. Reporting progress regularly to supervisors both verbally and in written reports
3. Keeping clear written records of work done and storing data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.

• Collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate

• The post holder will join the Microwaves & Antenna Engineering Group ( and will be expected to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team environment.

• Assist the development of student research skills and contribute to the assessment of student knowledge in the context of teaching and supervision duties.

• Maintain and develop collaborations with internal and external partners in the field.

• Attend group and project meetings communicating progress on a regular basis. Deliver presentations to project collaborators and the wider research community. Regular short-term travels to visit collaborators and attend international conferences are thus expected.

• Write high quality research papers in English for the scientific literature.

• Disseminate results of research in peer reviewed journals and conferences and/or other appropriate media.

Education Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• A PhD in electrical engineering or other relevant subjects. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.

• The ideal candidate will have a strong experimental background in one or more of the following fields: integrated circuits GaN CMOS active antenna array microwave engineering and wireless communication.

• A record of high-quality publications relative to opportunity in the above-mentioned fields.

• Commitment to adopting principles of diversity equity and inclusion in the workplace

Desirable

• Previous experience with one or more of the following:

• GaN or CMOS PA development

• AI-driven integrated circuit technology

• Active antenna array development

• Wireless communication system demonstration with USRP and LabVIEW

• Experience in leading the writing of scientific papers.

• Evidence of ability subject to opportunity to guide other researchers e.g. 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) at Heriot-Watt University (HWU) hosts Scotlands largest and most dynamic microwave and antenna engineering group ( Internationally acclaimed for its cutting-edge RF and microwave research the group leads innovation in space and next-generation wireless applications.

At the heart of ISSS the Microwaves and Antenna Engineering Group stands as a global leader in microwave and antenna technologies that power the physical layer of future wireless systems. Combining world-class academic expertise with strong industrial partnerships the group drives transformative research and skill development to accelerate the adoption of advanced RF front-end solutions across emerging communication and sensing technologies. With a vibrant team of 11 academic experts and over 20 postdoctoral researchers and PhD students the group is shaping the future of RF microwave and satellite engineering from breakthrough concepts to real-world impact.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV.

Applications must be submitted by midnight onSunday 16th November 2025.