Postdoctoral / Senior Postdoctoral Researcher – Wireless Sensing and Localisation/ UAV networks
About Tyndall: Tyndall National Institute is an international leader in semiconductors, photonics and deep‑tech research and innovation, and a key actor in the delivery of the ‘Chips for Europe Initiative’.
About the Team
Tyndall’s Wireless Communications Laboratory is based in Dublin, with outdoor test facilities located in parks and wildlife areas nearby. The post offers a superb opportunity for an ambitious individual to work collaboratively on exciting, cutting‑edge science at the interface between academia, industry and across multiple teams.
To support their research, the successful candidate will have access to fully equipped facilities which include:
Heavy‑duty UAV platforms and dedicated test sites
An inventory of SDRs including USRPs, RF test equipment, anechoic chambers, antenna fabrication capabilities
Advanced simulation software and dedicated compute clusters
About the Role
The Tyndall National Institute Wireless Communications Laboratory is recruiting a Senior Postdoctoral Researcher in Wireless Sensing and Localisation for UAV and non‑terrestrial networks within the Research Ireland ARC‑HUB project TEMPEST. The researcher will play a leading role in the development of intelligent, AI‑driven signal detection, classification, and localisation algorithms for RF spectrum monitoring, for commercial, public safety, and security‑relevant wireless networks. A particular focus of this research will be on the use of signal localisation for geopositioning in GPS/GNSS‑denied environments. These algorithms will be deployed on SDR hardware and experimentally verified in field trials with stakeholder partners across Dublin and beyond.
As part of this, follow‑up opportunities within the lab will be available to support the research and career ambitions of the successful candidate.
Key Responsibilities
Create and evaluate spectrum‑sensing pipelines for wideband RF monitoring, including channelisation, detection thresholds, and performance trade‑offs under interference and multipath.
Create algorithms for emitter characterisation and identification, including modulation recognition and RF fingerprinting where appropriate.
Design and execute field‑test methodologies for localisation performance, including ground truth collection, calibration, and uncertainty reporting.
Implement and validate algorithms using programming languages such as C++, Julia, Python and MATLAB.
Deploy the created algorithms on programmable software‑defined radios and verify their performance in real‑world trials involving ground transmitters and UAVs.
Disseminate research achievements through publications in key journals and at conferences.
Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
Co‑supervise and mentor postgraduate students as required.
Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system.
Ensure all activities are compliant with the required Health and Safety standards.
Carry out any additional duties as may be reasonably required within the general scope and level of the post.
Essential Criteria
PhD degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science, Wireless Communications, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline.
Good knowledge of cellular communication systems at the physical and MAC layers.
Familiarity with algorithms for RF signal processing and localisation, including energy/cyclostationary detection, matched filtering, time‑frequency analysis, modulation classification, AoA/TDoA/FDoA localisation, and multi‑sensor tracking using EKF/UKF or particle filters.
Demonstrated proficiency with embedded systems and software‑defined radios.
Familiarity with mathematical modelling tools such as C++, Python, MATLAB, Julia.
Good publication record in IEEE or ACM journals and conference publications.
Desirable Criteria
6 years post‑PhD experience in industry or academia.
Experience in UAVs, aerial communication systems, or non‑terrestrial wireless networks.
Demonstrated experience with prototyping and testing RF or wireless systems in real‑world conditions.
Familiarity with RF spectrum monitoring, signal classification, localisation, or geopositioning methods.
Experience with software‑defined radios, embedded systems, and experimental wireless platforms.
Ability to engage in wider research activities of the research group.
Experience with academic‑industry collaboration, with a record of prior industry projects.
What We Offer
Impactful Work: Opportunities to contribute to ground‑breaking research and innovation that shape Ireland’s economy and society.
Continuous Learning: Strong support for formal training, further study and professional development.
Interdisciplinary Environment: Where academia, industry, and innovation intersect – supported by cutting‑edge infrastructure and expert knowledge.
Blended Working: Flexibility to work remotely and on‑site, where the role allows.
Comprehensive Benefits: Access to UCC pension, long‑term illness benefit, life assurance, and more.
Generous Leave: Competitive annual leave entitlements.
Equity & Inclusion: Athena Swan Bronze award holder, with ongoing initiatives led by a dedicated People and Culture team to ensure equity for all.
Core Values: A culture grounded in Ambition, Collaboration, Diversity, Excellence, and Integrity.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: An innovation‑driven environment that welcomes entrepreneurial and creative thinkers, including those with start‑up experience.
Supportive Onboarding: Structured induction and mentoring to help new hires integrate and thrive.
Vibrant Culture: A collaborative, people‑first workplace with a strong sense of community.
Terms of Employment
Contract Category: Full‑Time
Contract Type: Fixed‑Term
Contract Duration: Approximately 24 months
Salary: Senior Postdoctoral Researcher Scale (€54,850–€59,654 per annum) based on qualification and experience.
Appointment will be in accordance with public sector pay policy.
Closing date for application: 1 pm on 15 May 2026.
Application Instructions
Applicants should attach an up‑to‑date CV/Resume and a brief motivation letter outlining how they meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role.
Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance may form part of the selection process.
Appointments will be dependent on university approval and the terms of the employment control framework for the higher education sector.
Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.
Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
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