Research Associate, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Job Summary

The employee will be responsible for the conduct of research and helping with laboratory administration in the Drexel Wireless Systems Laboratory (DWSL). The employee will be collaborating on multiple projects with other researchers but must also be able to lead multiple technical and administrative efforts independently.

This position is supported by external funds; therefore, the continuation of employment is contingent on receipt of those external funds.

Essential Functions

• Specific job tasks include writing proposals, papers, and reports, assisting with development of new transceivers for wireless communication systems, software defined radio, and a textile sensor design kit involved fabric antennas and touch sensors. This position interacts with other Drexel faculty, staff, and students (within or outside of the College of Engineering) on a regular basis.
• Business Development - Work with potential business partners to build and maintain a cooperative relationship through the entire cycle from initial meetings, cultivation of prospective research sponsors, proposal development, and progress reporting.
• Lab Administration - Help perform lab administration duties such as lab supply and equipment procurement, equipment management, grant paperwork (including pre-award submissions, post-award budget management, and progress report preparation).
• Proposal Writing - Assist in technical writing tasks and administrative functions of proposal preparation and submission. Keep track of upcoming due dates and solicitations that may be in accordance with the lab's research mission. Work with Drexel's research office and ECE/COE staff to coordinate proposal submission logistics.
• Research and Collaboration - Perform research and technical tasks for grants that have been awarded. Ensure that the relationship with collaborative entities such as other universities and industrial partners remains effective by maintaining knowledge about lab research tasks and personnel to make the proper connections between researchers in the lab and at the collaborator's institution. Ensure projects progress on track in accordance with the proposed timeline at time of award.
• System Administration - Help manage the lab anechoic chamber, reverberation chamber, and ceiling mounted Software Defined Radio grid network consisting of radio nodes, reconfigurable antennas, RFID readers, a large wireless channel emulator, and their associated computers and servers. Help ensure close to 100% uptime on the grid network for research continuity. Support and evolve lab hardware and software development initiatives. Assist developers in debugging production issues.
• Student Mentoring - Mentor undergraduate and graduate students working in the lab with respect to their own research areas. Help students find the resources they require, whether that be physical lab equipment or administrative/financial resources. Help students by providing advice and assistance in research and education needs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  
  
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
  
  
  
  
• Strong knowledge of wireless communication and radio frequency antennas and transceivers
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong experience in printed circuit board design for mixed signal applications in wireless communications
• Strong knowledge of computer programming (Python preferred), C++, Matlab.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with radio frequency test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzer, network analyzer)
• Experience with software defined radio
• Experience with Linux server administration, LXC, and computer networking

Physical Requirements

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information

This position is classified as exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $ 41,120.00 to $ 61,680.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

We encourage you to explore Drexel's Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on our compensation framework.

You can also find valuable information about our benefits in the Benefits Brochure.

Drexel University offers an attractive benefits package including tuition remission, a generous retirement package with matching funds (up to 11 percent) and an opportunity to join a talented team of professionals directly helping the University achieve its record growth and quality reputation.

Drexel University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and believes that an inclusive and respectful environment enriches the University community and the educational and employment experience of its members. The University prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, status as a veteran or special disabled veteran, gender identity or expression, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions and any other prohibited characteristic. Please visit our website to view all University Policies and Workplace Postings.

Background investigations are required for all new hires as a condition of employment, after the job offer is made. Employment may not begin until the University accepts the results of the background investigation.

Special Instructions to the Applicant

Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.