Postdoctoral Associate

Job Description

Novice to senior researchers are invited to apply for a full‑time Postdoctoral Research Associate position within the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wireless@Virginia Tech, College of Engineering, and the Virginia Tech Institute for Advanced Computing (IAC) in the Washington, D.C. metro area.

The role involves conducting research in federated learning and network optimization for 6G/FutureG wireless networks, especially on the Internet of Intelligent Things. Candidates will work under the supervision of Dr. Lingjia Liu and collaborate with leading researchers and industry partners on future wireless systems ranging from novel physical‑layer waveforms (e.g., MIMO, OTFS) to online real‑time neural receivers, from reflecting intelligent surfaces (RIS) / integrated sensing and communications (ISaC) to network design using O‑RAN, and from statistical learning theory to software‑defined radio prototypes (e.g., USRP).

The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering houses both Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. programs and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top departments. The position will be based at the Virginia Tech Academic Building One in Washington, D.C., offering opportunities to collaborate with industry partners and government research organizations.

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Ph.D. awarded no more than four years prior to the effective date of appointment with a minimum of one year of eligibility remaining.
• Demonstrated research expertise in federated learning, differential privacy, machine learning for the Internet of Things, or related areas.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and programming skills.
• Written communication skills demonstrated through peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, or research manuscripts.

• Strong coding/programming skills (e.g., Python, C++).
• Experience with USRP prototypes.
• Experience with NVIDIA computing platforms.
• Experience collaborating in interdisciplinary research teams.

Applicants will be required to undergo a criminal conviction check.

Salary: $70,000 per year;
Hours per week: 40;
Overtime status:
Exempt (not eligible for overtime). Appointment Type:
Restricted. Review Date: 5/4/2026.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or that of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

Stuart Cline, stuart
90, may assist individuals with disabilities who require accommodations. Contact at least 10 business days prior to the event and during regular business hours.