We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The role

The Institute for Communication Systems (ICS), home of the 6G Innovation Centre (6GIC), is looking to recruit a full-time Research Fellow to work on Generative Semantic Communication Technologies for Future Satellite Networks. This is a fixed-term position until June 2028.

For this opening, the successful candidate will be required to have research experience in wireless communication systems as well as familiarity with design and training of state-of-the-art large generative AI models, e.g. Diffusion Models, Multimodal Large Language Models, etc. The area of specialisation for this post is Generative Semantic Communication Technologies for Future Satellite Networks.

ICS is the largest academic research institute in Europe specialising in all aspects of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). It is home to over 200 researchers with expertise in all communication and broadcasting systems and has developed the best-in-class large scale testbeds for research and innovation and enjoys the state-of-the-art lab and computing facilities.

Established in 2012, 5GIC is the world’s first dedicated centre in researching end-to-end aspects of 5G and works closely with national and international leading academic institutes and key industrial partners. In November 2020, 6GIC was officially launched with parallel research undertaken in both 5G+ and 6G for 2030+.

About you

Applicants should have a good honors PhD degree (or close to completing a PhD degree) in wireless communications or AI and computer vision fields and a strong track record of publications. Preference will be given to those with prior publications either in top-tier AI and Computer Vision venues (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, CVPR, etc.), or prestigious IEEE journals (e.g. IEEE JSAC, ComST, etc.). 

Applicants are expected to have good problem solving and analytical skills, to be proactive, to engage with other researchers and to be self-motivated. The successful candidate will, in collaboration with other researchers, specify, design and implement the systems under investigation. The successful candidates will be joining a very strong and vibrant research team and will be supported by academic staff working on the programme. The selection will be based on the principles of meritocracy with the above criteria.

How to apply

For more information or to be considered for this role, please apply with your CV and covering letter via the University website. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the role.

For informal queries about the role, please contact Dr Mahdi Boloursaz Mashhadi, Lecturer - Institute for Communication Systems: m.boloursazmashhadi@surrey.ac.uk

Closing Date: 14 Aug 2026

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £37,694 to £39,906 per annum
Fixed Term until 16/06/2028

This is a fixed-term appointment for up to four years and is based in Beijing, China, with teaching primarily taking place at China Agricultural University's campus. A new CAU campus is currently being developed in Pinggu, and the postholder may be required to teach there as part of their duties.

We are seeking talented and motivated academics to join the founding faculty of this exciting new international campus. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the Institute from its inception and to play a key role in shaping its academic culture, teaching excellence, student experience, and long-term success.

Successful candidates will work within a dynamic international environment, delivering high-quality teaching, supporting student learning and development, and contributing to curriculum enhancement across the Institute's programmes. Working collaboratively with colleagues from both the University of Surrey and China Agricultural University, appointees will help ensure the delivery of an outstanding educational experience and maintain the highest academic standards.

As the Institute grows, there will be significant opportunities for academics to contribute to programme development, educational innovation, student support, industry engagement, and broader transnational education initiatives. The successful candidates will join a collaborative and ambitious academic community committed to preparing graduates with the knowledge, skills, and global outlook required to succeed in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

We welcome applications from enthusiastic, collaborative, and forward-thinking academics who are passionate about delivering excellent education and making a lasting impact. Whether through inspiring teaching, curriculum development, academic leadership, student support, or international collaboration, successful candidates will have the opportunity to help establish and shape a new institution from its very first day.

If you are excited by the prospect of contributing to an ambitious international partnership and helping to build something exceptional, we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please apply via the University website, submitting a CV and cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the post, including your relevant teaching experience, subject expertise, and any experience of international collaboration or transnational education activities.

Informal enquiries should be made to Prof David Carey, University of Surrey, Deputy Dean of the Joint Institute:  david.carey@surrey.ac.uk 

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities. 

Closing Date: 23 Aug 2026

Area: Research & Teaching

Salary: £47,389 to £69,488 per annum
Fixed Term