Postdoc In Wireless Propagation at mm-waves and sub-THz for Electromagnetic Field Exposure

Short introduction

The EU-funded ETAIN project explores the impact of radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic field exposure on planetary health. As part of this project, you’ll play a crucial role in improving our understanding of RF propagation in the D-band (110-170 GHz) and its influence on RF-EMF exposure.

Job Description

Telecommunication networks emit Radio-Frequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) fields using antennas. As networks evolve, new technologies (such as new precoding techniques, new frequencies, (Ma)MiMo antennas, smart surfaces, etc.) are introduced into the network. One novelty in the network is the potential introduction of higher carrier frequencies in the D-band (110-170 GHz).

This position focuses on studying the propagation of EM waves at these frequencies using channel modeling, propagation measurements, and digital ray tracing. The propagation measurements will be conducted using a vector network analyzer with frequency extenders.

Here are the key tasks you’ll be involved in:

Collaboration and Quantification:

• Work closely with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at TU/E and other research partners across the EU.
• Quantify propagation of RF electromagnetic fields through a combination of channel measurements and ray tracing.

Communication and Reporting:

• Communicate the results of your simulations and measurements to scientists from diverse backgrounds.
• Report your research findings and project outcomes to both the scientific community and the general public.
• Create and maintain public databases and online tools where project results are accessible to everyone. These will serve as valuable resources for understanding and addressing potential health effects related to RF electromagnetic field exposure.

Project Organization:

• Ensure timely execution of project tasks, milestones, and deliverables.

Your contributions will significantly advance our knowledge in this critical area, benefiting both human health and the environment. For more details, visit the ETAIN project website. 🌐🔬

Job Requirements

We seek a dynamic and motivated individual to join our team within the ETAIN project. As a researcher, you’ll contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of RF propagation and RF-EMF exposure. Here are the qualifications and qualities we value:

1. Educational Background:

• You hold a thesis-based doctorate in one of the following fields:
  - Electrical engineering
  - Physics engineering
  - (Applied) Physics

2. Experience and Skills:

• Proficiency in any of the following areas is advantageous:
  - Numerical simulations
  - Use of (electromagnetic) measurement instruments (in particular, vector network analyzers with frequency extenders)
  - Scientific project management
• A collaborative mindset and a willingness to work with other scientists are essential.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• A proven ability to manage complex projects to completion on schedule.

3. Team Player and Independent Thinker:

• You thrive in an international team of researchers with diverse scientific backgrounds.
• Taking ownership of your research, you’ll contribute to the project’s success.
• Independence in tackling research topics is a key attribute.
• A team player who enjoys coaching PhD and Master's students

4. Effective Communication:

• Strong verbal and written English skills are crucial.
• You’ll communicate results to both fellow scientists and the general public.
• Good communication and leadership skills.

5. Professionalism and Work Ethic:

• Your commitment to excellence, sound judgment, and personal integrity are highly valued.

Join us in this exciting endeavor to explore the impact of RF electromagnetic fields on health and the environment.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 4,060 max. € 5,331).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.

Information

ETAIN is an EU funded project that aims to develop and validate approaches to assess the impact of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from a human and planetary perspective, while exploring options for exposure reduction. The full process promotes interactions with citizens and stakeholders to better understand exposure levels and possible associated risks. ETAIN develops an app & a portal able to identify one's personal exposure to RF-EMF and to map exposure levels across European cities.

More information on the project and its consortium can be found here.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager prof.dr.ir. Sander Bronckers, l.a.bronckers@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.flux@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application using the apply-button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.