Cooperative Positioning of UAVs Using Cellular Networks and Passive Radar

We are recruiting new Doctoral Researchers to our EPSRC funded Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) PhD studentships starting 1 October 2024. Applications are invited for the project title “Cooperative Positioning of UAVs Using Cellular Networks and Passive Radar”

Successful applicants will receive an annual stipend (bursary) of £21,237, including inner London weighting, plus payment of their full-time home tuition fees for a period of 42 months (3.5 years).

You should be eligible for home (UK) tuition fees there are a very limited number (no more than three) of studentships available to overseas applicants, including EU nationals, who meet the academic entry criteria including English Language proficiency.

You will join the internationally recognised researchers in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering research and PhD programmes | Brunel University London

The Project

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly prevalent in UK airspace, serving both commercial and military purposes. This research proposes a novel cooperative positioning framework for real-time UAV tracking and navigation, crucial for ensuring safety and accountability in congested environments. By synergistically combining cellular networks (5G/6G) with innovative passive radar systems, the project aims to refine UAV localization techniques. The student will develop novel detection algorithms using 5G/6G networks and advanced data fusion methods, integrating passive radar measurements for precise 3D positioning of UAVs. This approach not only enhances dynamic control but also aligns with the UK's goals of leading in technological innovation. Addressing vital needs in security, environmental monitoring, and emergency response, this research promises to set new standards in UAV operational efficiency and safety.

Please contact Dr Lu GAN at lu.gan@brunel.ac.uk for an informal discussion about the studentships.

Eligibility

Applicants will have or be expected to receive a first or upper-second class honours degree in an Engineering, Computer Science, Design, Mathematics, Physics or a similar discipline. A Postgraduate Masters degree is not required but may be an advantage.

Skills and Experience

Applicants will be required to demonstrate the following skills;

Strong programming skills in Matlab and/or python;
Machine learning and AI;
Signal processing and knowledge of Radar

You should be highly motivated, able to work independently as well as in a team, collaborate with others and have good communication skills.

How to apply

There are two stages of the application:

1.Applicants must submit the pre-application form via the following link

https://brunel.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/epsrc-dtp-24-25-pre-application-form-brunel-university-lon

by 16.00 on Friday 5th April 2024.

2.If you are shortlisted for the interview, you will be asked to email the following documentation in a single PDF file to cedps-studentships@brunel.ac.uk within 72hrs.

Your up-to-date CV;
Your Undergraduate degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) essential;
Your Postgraduate Masters degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) if applicable;
Your valid English Language qualification of IELTS 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in each section) or equivalent, if applicable;
Contact details for TWO referees, one of which can be an academic member of staff in the College.

Applicants should therefore ensure that they have all of this information in case they are shortlisted.

Interviews will take place in April/May 2024.

Related Research Group(s)

Electronic Systems - Investigating processes and mechanisms found in nature to inspire alternative approaches to the design and implementation of intelligent electronic systems.