Telecommunications researcher
Telecommunications researchers work to further our knowledge and capabilities in the rapidly changing world of telecommunications. Today, telecommunications involves much more than making telephone calls.
Since the deregulation of the telecommunications industry there have been great advances. The industry now includes providers of telephone, messaging, cable, wireless and satellite communication technology in the form of telephony, television and the internet. It includes manufacturers of handsets, wireless technologies and modems, computer chips, semiconductors, satellite equipment, fibre optics, switching equipment and radio frequencies.
This is a fast growing and advancing industry that offers a wide range of opportunities for research professionals.
Typical work activities differ depending on whether you work within an academic or commercial environment. Generally they involve:
As telecommunication researchers are required to work with certain technologies, applicants are usually required to have at least an undergraduate degree in this area, if not a Masters degree. The following subjects are particularly relevant:
Entry without a degree or HND is unlikely. There may be opportunities for undergraduate researchers who are completing a degree in one of the above fields, but a good degree would then be needed for career progression.
Within industry it may be possible to enter a research role with significant technical work experience rather than higher qualifications, although this is not common.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not essential, but a relevant applied MSc or PhD can be advantageous and will aid future career development. If you are thinking about undertaking postgraduate study, find out about funding for Masters training and industrial CASE studentships by contacting the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) or search for PhD studentships on Jobs.ac.uk .
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Experience of research, either as vacation work or as an industrial placement, will give you the edge, as will any work experience in the area you wish to work in.
Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) offer recent graduates (known as KTP associates) the opportunity to manage a project within a partnership organisation and gain a professional qualification. Check the website for possible telecommunications-related opportunities.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Most telecommunications researchers study for, or already have, a relevant Masters degree or PhD. However, as a research-based degree such as a Masters or PhD is regarded as training for research work, employers may employ graduates without postgraduate qualifications and then fund their PhD research.
Traditionally, a PhD takes three years’ full time study, although part-time study and four-year PhDs are becoming more common. One-to-one guidance and support is available throughout the PhD programme from a supervisor who would usually be an experienced researcher in the field of study. Transferable skills training is now also a recognised part of a PhD programme and research students should receive formal training.
It is vital for telecommunications researchers to keep up to date with advances in their field and they need to maintain a high level of continuing professional development (CPD). They therefore regularly attend national and international conferences and symposiums and are often called upon to present at such events.
Where teaching and lecturing are part of the role, researchers within academia may receive training for these responsibilities. Indeed, such training is usually required and researchers sometimes study for a postgraduate qualification in teaching in higher education.
For more senior research posts in academic settings such as universities, postdoctoral training is becoming more common.
Career structure will vary widely depending on whether researchers are working within academic or industrial settings. Generally, however, advancement is dependent on achieving research goals.
In academic research, a PhD is usually followed by short-term postdoctoral research contracts of up to three years. These contracts depend on the funding available and may be in partnership with commercial organisations or government departments. Academic promotion usually depends on research achievement, which is measured by the quality and quantity of original papers published, conferences presented to and success in attracting funding. Progress may then be to managerial or lecturing posts and eventually to professorial posts. Permanent research posts without any administrative or teaching responsibilities are rare.
Within industry, promotion lies in gaining experience of a range of projects, developing expertise and contacts, taking on greater responsibilities, managing larger and higher profile projects and supervising other members of staff.
There are opportunities for self-employment once a technical specialism and a network of contacts has been established. This usually involves working on one idea and taking it through to development and testing before selling it. This is not usually possible without substantial experience.
Telecommunications researchers work in the many different fields that make up telecommunications. Employers include:
A large proportion of telecommunication researchers are employed by universities and their research is funded by collaborative partners, which may be commercial companies, government departments or research councils. All PhD studentships are offered by universities.
There are also a number of small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that offer opportunities. Some larger organisations work with smaller organisations that specialise in particular technical areas. Speculative applications may be successful. The Intellect website includes a list of member companies, ranging from SMEs to multinationals, including telecommunications employers.
Recruitment agencies increasingly handle vacancies at all levels, particularly for jobs in industry and the commercial sector.
Consider contacting higher education institutions that have dedicated specialised departments working in telecommunications research.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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