Postdoc Research Associate - Wireless Systems and Networks

Position Title:

Postdoc Research Associate - Wireless Systems and Networks

Appointment Type:

Post Doc/Trainee

Job Description:

Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to lead and contribute to cutting‑edge research advancing the frontiers of NTN, Open RAN, wireless systems, edge and cloud computing, and rural broadband.

The postdoctoral researcher will play a key role in shaping research directions and advancing innovative solutions in next‑generation wireless technologies.

This position involves leading and mentoring teams of graduate and undergraduate students, as well as working closely with technical staff to develop, deploy, and operate wireless systems. The successful candidate will collaborate extensively with faculty members and public‑ and private‑sector project partners to support the execution of funded research projects.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to publish research results in high‑quality, peer‑reviewed journals and leading conference venues. In addition, the role includes active participation in research funding acquisition efforts, including contributing to—and, in some cases, leading—proposal development for federal and state agencies and industry sponsors.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Five or more years of combined research and/or industry experience in wireless communication systems, networking, or related domains.
• Experience applying AI/ML techniques to wireless systems, including familiarity with frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar tools.
• Proficiency in programming and simulation tools, including Python, MATLAB, C/C++, and scientific computing frameworks.
   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven research expertise in advanced wireless systems, including 6G, NTN, RIS/RHS, THz communications, and MEC/Open RAN systems.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, with a strong publication record in top‑tier IEEE journals and conferences.
• Experience leading research projects, including grant writing and funding acquisition from national or international agencies.
• Experience designing and implementing physical‑layer testbeds, including AI‑driven beamforming and resource allocation techniques.
• Experience collaborating across academic, industry, and interdisciplinary teams, including supervision or mentorship of students and/or engineers.
• Demonstrated ability to translate theoretical research into practical system implementations and functional prototypes.
• Background in distributed optimization, network abstraction, and system‑level modeling.
• Hands‑on experience with wireless system simulation and prototyping platforms, such as QuaDRiGa, NS‑3, Sionna, Simulink, and CVX.

Department/Program & College Description:

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs that provide students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in the electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and cyber security engineering fields. Students get to interact with our departments’ diverse student body and faculty, and obtain practical experience to prepare them for exciting careers where they can make a difference in people’s lives. Research in our department focuses on five high-impact interdisciplinary areas: bioengineering, cyber infrastructure, distributed sensing and decision making, energy infrastructure, and small-scale technologies.

Department Unit/Website:

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering – College of Engineering, Iowa State University

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Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

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To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Postdocs enjoy comprehen