Job Description
Job Title:  Research Associate
Posting Start Date:  14/07/2026
Job Id:  2854
School/Department:  Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Work Arrangement:  Full Time (On site)
Contract Type:  Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£):  £38,784.00
Closing Date:  28/07/2026

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

 

Overview

Based in the Electromagnetics, Wireless Hardware and RF Devices Research Group, within the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, you will make vital and leading contributions to an ongoing project in the exciting and contemporary area of mmWave RF Engineering. Under expert supervision, you will help research and develop a new generation of integrated circuit (IC) concepts for mmWave antenna arrays, mixers and oscillators, as well as contribute to new areas in digital signal processing (DSP) and software defined radio (SDR) to support the emerging integrated circuits. This exciting and challenging role combines advanced RF Engineering research, IC design, prototyping and practical RF measurement skills. As part of the role, you will have access to the UKRI mmWave Measurement Laboratory and associated RF test equipment and simulation tools. Applications from candidates passionate about advanced RF design are sought.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

  • Conduct innovative research into mmWave RF circuits for antenna arrays / mixers / oscillators / amplifiers, etc, at E band and above.
  • Carry out RF IC / MMIC design and simulations using CAD tools, including Cadence Virtuoso and ADS.
  • Develop prototype designs for incorporation into Test Chips in SiGe or III-V materials.
  • Assist research into signal processing strategies and algorithms, to support the emerging Test Chips.
  • Design and create prototype demonstrators to use the Test Chips.
  • Perform detailed RF chip and system testing and commissioning.
  • Manage data collection and storage on a day-to-day basis.
  • Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the study.
  • Collect and analyse a variety of primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data from multiple sources.
  • Take a lead role in the analysis and writing up of results.
  • Read and review literature as appropriate.
  • Take a lead role in the writing of the project reports and scholarly publications.
  • Assist in preparing and contributing to industrial networking and dissemination Workshops.
  • Contribute to research advisory group meetings, as well as assisting in the running of them.
  • Attend project meetings and research advisory group meetings.
  • Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

 

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

 

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Hold, or be close to completing, a relevant PhD in engineering or physics (or have equivalent relevant industry experience)

Essential

Application

Radio Frequency (RF) circuit design

Essential

Application/Interview

RF circuit simulation experience (ADS, Cadence or similar high performance CAD RF simulation tools)

Essential

Application/Interview

Design of RF MMICs or RFICs

Desirable

Application/Interview

RF layout experience (chip or PCB)

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience in mmWave design above 30GHz

Desirable

Application/Interview

Experience in using RF test & measurement equipment

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of publishing in peer-reviewed journals

Essential

Application/Interview

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing publications/reports and presenting your findings to a range of audiences

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to work effectively within a team environment including individuals both internal and external to the University

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to plan own workload and prioritise conflicting deadlines

Essential

Application/Interview

Ability to make decisions and apply creative approaches to solving complex technical problems

Essential

Application/Interview

Experience of adapting own skills to new circumstances

Essential

Application/Interview

 

 

Further Information

 

Grade

7.3

Salary

£38,784

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

14/09/26-31/07/28

Line manager

Professor of RF Engineering

Our website

https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/eee

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Eddie Ball (RF Group Leader) on e.a.ball@sheffield.ac.uk

 

 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on week commencing 03/08/26. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 27/07/26. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact eee-operations@sheffield.ac.uk.

 

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

  • A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
  • Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
  • Generous pension scheme.
  • A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
  • A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
  • Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
  • A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
  • A range of generous family-friendly policies
    • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
    • support for those going through the menopause
    • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
    • and more


More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

 

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

 

 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.