Postdoctoral Fellowship - Development of Innovative Airborne Communication Systems

This postdoctoral fellow will develop and test communications systems deployed on tethered balloons and UAVs on a U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory funded project. The postdoc will actively contribute to an interdisciplinary team working to move advanced technology applications in cybersecurity, communications technology, and national defense from concept to testing. In addition to developing prototype communication systems, the postdoc will actively participate in field testing.

Some travel is a component of the position, and the opportunity to present research at conferences is available.
The initial appointment is 16 months, with the possibility of extension, contingent on performance and funding. The start date is flexible, but the hire must be physically located in Bozeman by August 2024. Remote positions will not be considered.

Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and test novel communications systems to be deployed on different low-altitude aircraft.
Field test and evaluate communication systems on low-altitude aircraft.
Develop assessments of the different communications systems.
Actively contribute to an interdisciplinary research team.
Author and contribute to research publications and presentations.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Earth Sciences, or related field.
Demonstrated expertise in developing and testing wireless communications systems.
Ability to fly Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) with training once hired.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

Expertise in flying Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) for research.
Demonstrated expertise in deploying novel communications systems.
Demonstrated scientific writing skills supported by peer-reviewed publications.
Experience in, or willingness to learn data-driven approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models, to solve problems.

The Successful Candidate Will

A curious scholar with a strong work ethic.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work individually and successfully meet deadlines.
Serve as an active contributor to an inclusive, interdisciplinary team.
Maintain excellent records and metadata of work efforts.

Position

Special Requirements /Additional Information

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands
This position requires considerable time inside during the development stage, and time outside while testing. While outdoor testing will not occur in inclement weather, one should expect outdoor work in cold or hot conditions.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties?
No