Job Description

Job Category: Research & Research Support
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This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.
This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the , this position has a prorated annual salary range of $37,021 to $46,281. This position is not eligible for benefits. This position has an end date of Aug 31, 2026.
Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.
The Research Associate will conduct advanced research and development activities in radio-frequency (RF) sensing, microwave resonator sensor tags, drone-based interrogation systems, and electromagnetic modelling and related duties.
The Research Associate will apply extensive expertise in RF/Sensor systems engineering, SDR-based measurement chains, antenna/beamforming design, radar backscattering characterization, environmental sensing instrumentation, and automated RF testbeds towards a deployable sensing solution for applications such as pipelines.
The Research Associate will independently design experimental plans, lead UAV-based interrogation trials, develop measurement automation techniques, and contribute to electromagnetic (EM) simulations, sensor calibration, data analysis, and system integration. The position will also support mentorship of graduate trainees, collaborate with industrial partners, and contribute to grant writing, reports, and publications.
Responsibilities:

• Lead experimental design and RF measurement architectures, including UAV-based interrogation trials, calibration standards, and environmental control for freeze-thaw studies.
• Implement automated RF sensing and instrument control, integrating SDRs and lab equipment to fabricate, test, and validate passive resonant tags and reader antennas in controlled conditions.
• Perform EM modelling, link-budget and sensitivity analyses, and data-driven algorithm development to extract sensing features and decision rules for dry/wet/ice detection.
• Produce high-quality technical documentation and presentations, support grant and IP preparation, and engage industry partners through demos and knowledge transfer activities.
• Mentor and train students and collaborators in RF sensing, UAV-based measurements, safety, and lab operations while assisting with procurement and equipment maintenance.
• Execute project-specific R&D on passive resonant tags, UAV interrogation protocols, and test fixtures, delivering publishable results and contributions to journal/conference papers and patents.

Qualifications:

• A PhD in Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field with specialization in RF systems, electromagnetics, antennas, or sensing.
• Demonstrated expertise in SDRs, RF instrumentation, RF backscattering instrumentation, antenna systems, and microwave measurements.
• Proficiency in Python, LabVIEW, EM simulation tools, and measurement automation.
• Experience in environmental measurement systems, UAV-based experiments, and field deployment.
• Hands-on experience designing and deploying self-developed RF and sensing hardware for distinguishing ice, water films, air gaps, and other environmental conditions and prototyping for external/field-based deployment.
• Experience implementing end-to-end measurement and monitoring pathways, including automated RF data acquisition, real-time upload of data to cloud-based dashboards, and basic real-time analytics/alarms for threshold exceedances.
• Ability to work independently, plan experiments, and interpret complex RF data.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated experience in writing technical reports, publications, and proposals.
• Ability to mentor students and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with project coordination, procurement, and working with industry is an asset.

Application Instructions
Please submit the following documents:

• Resume
• List of Publications
• Research Plan
• Academic Referral Letters

Applicants must attest in the application process whether or not they are affiliated with a Named Research Organization or a foreign talent recruitment program administered by a Named Research Organization, where a Named Research Organization is one that is listed in the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern at this link: .
About Us:
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Metis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .
This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of the university. Individuals having an active affiliation with a are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Metis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L'Universite de l'Alberta s'engage a creer une communaute universitaire ou chaque personne se sent valorisee, ou les obstacles a la reussite sont elimines et ou des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se developper. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiees. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premieres nations, Metis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapees; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identite et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer a la diversification des idees et a l'universite a postuler.
About the Team: The is one of North America's top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

Skills Required