Postdoctoral Fellowship - Development of Innovative Airborne Communication Systems

Postdoctoral Fellowship - Development of Innovative Airborne Communication SystemsThe Spectrum Lab and the Geospatial Snow, Water, and Ice Resources Lab at Montana State University are recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow. The postdoc will focus on developing and deploying novel communications systems that leverage advanced computing, tethered balloons, and UAVs (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles).Position Title: Postdoctoral ResearcherDepartment: Earth SciencesDivision: College of Letters & ScienceAppointment Type: Research ProfessionalContract Term: Fiscal YearSemester: If other, specify From dateIf other, specify End dateFLSA: ExemptUnion Affiliation: Exempt from Collective BargainingFTE: 1.0Benefits Eligible: EligibleSalary: Starting $63,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.Contract Type: LOARecruitment Type: OpenPosition Details: 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.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? NoPosting Detail Information: Number of Vacancies: 1 Desired Start Date: Upon completion of a successful search. Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be: Screening of applications will begin on May 24, 2024; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.EEO Statement: Montana State University values diverse perspectives and is committed to continually supporting, promoting and building an inclusive and culturally diverse campus environment. MSU recognizes the importance of work-life integration and strives to be responsive to the needs of dual career couples. In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. MSU's Non-Discrimination Policy and Discrimination Grievance Procedures can be located on the MSU Website.Applicant DocumentsRequired DocumentsResumeCover LetterOptional Documents