Postdoc Research Associate - Wireless Systems and Networks

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to cutting‑edge research advancing the frontiers of NTN, Open RAN, wireless systems, edge and cloud computing, and rural broadband.
• Shape research directions and advance innovative solutions in next‑generation wireless technologies.
• Lead and mentor teams of graduate and undergraduate students.
• Work closely with technical staff to develop, deploy, and operate wireless systems.
• Collaborate extensively with faculty members and public‑ and private‑sector project partners to support the execution of funded research projects.
• Publish research results in high‑quality, peer‑reviewed journals and leading conference venues.
• Participate in research funding acquisition efforts, including contributing to—and, in some cases, leading—proposal development for federal and state agencies and industry sponsors.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees