Faculty of Environment, Science and EconomyThis new full-time (1.0FTE) post is available 1 April 2026 until 31 March 2028, on a fixed-term basis in the Department of Engineering within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.
The post
The Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the ARIA-funded NEUROBOT project, a pioneering collaboration between the Universities of Glasgow, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle, NeuroBite and the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT). NEUROBOT aims to transform neuromodulation therapies by developing a new class of implantable “neurobots” - micron-scale, battery-less devices capable of recording and stimulating brain activity with unprecedented precision.
This full-time post is available on a fixed-term basis from 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2028.The position will be based at the Department of Engineering, University of Exeter.
The successful candidate will contribute to the design and development of wireless activation and communication systems that enable safe, efficient, and selective control of the implantable neurobots. This includes developing wireless energy transfer technologies, external transmitter and receiver systems, and robust communication links suitable for operation in complex biological environments. The research will involve advanced electromagnetic modelling, system-level simulation, and experimental validation of wireless systems to achieve deep-tissue activation with minimal invasiveness.
The postholder will collaborate closely with project partners at Glasgow and IIT to ensure seamless integration between Exeter’s wireless platform and the microbot hardware, contributing to the overall system architecture that underpins NEUROBOT’s wireless neuromodulation capabilities.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.
You will: Possess a PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Electromagnetics, Bioelectronics, or a related discipline.
Have expertise in wireless systems and powering, antenna/microwave engineering, RF design, or implantable device technologies.
Demonstrate experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., HFSS, CST, COMSOL) and practical RF measurement or prototyping.
Show strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, and a willingness to work across disciplines (electronics, materials, and biomedical engineering).
Have the ability to contribute to project reporting, publication of research outputs, and collaborative experimental work with partner institutions. Experience in magnetoelectric materials, MEMS/NEMS fabrication, or implantable medical device design would be advantageous but not essential.
What we can offer you Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon. The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.
With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.
We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.
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