Organisation/Company: University of Huddersfield
Department: School of Computing and Engineering
Research Field: Engineering – Communication engineering
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 15 May 2026 – 23:59 (Europe/London)
Country: United Kingdom
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Hours per Week: 37
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2026
EU Research Framework Programme: Not funded by a EU programme
Research Infrastructure: No
Offer Description
Summary of award
Type of Award:
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Applications are welcome from both UK and International applicants; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.
Location:
Huddersfield
Funding:
3 years full‑time research covering tuition fees and a tax‑free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.
Duration:
3 years full-time
This PhD project focuses on the design, measurement, and optimisation of compact, high‑performance antennas for use on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and next‑generation communication and sensing platforms. As wireless technologies progress towards 6G and beyond, there is a growing demand for miniaturised antennas that deliver high gain, efficiency, and adaptability while operating under stringent size, weight, and power constraints. Addressing these challenges requires the integration of advanced electromagnetic modelling, artificial intelligence, and experimental validation.
The research will combine full‑wave electromagnetic simulation with AI‑driven and evolutionary optimisation techniques to explore novel antenna geometries, materials, and multiband configurations. Antenna designs will be modelled using industry‑standard tools and fabricated using modern prototyping techniques. Experimental validation will be carried out through precision measurements in a state‑of‑the‑art anechoic chamber to assess radiation patterns, efficiency, and beam‑forming performance. Machine‑learning approaches will be used to accelerate the design cycle and enable intelligent optimisation of antenna performance across multiple operating scenarios. The project offers strong links to emerging applications in communications and sensing and aims to produce high‑impact research outcomes with both academic and industrial relevance.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications: First‑class or strong upper second‑class honours degree in Electrical, Electronic, or Communications Engineering. A relevant MSc or MEng is required.
Skills & Experience: Solid grounding in electromagnetics and RF engineering. Experience with EM simulation tools (e.g. CST, HFSS, FEKO) and programming (Python or MATLAB) is desirable.
Additional Knowledge: Practical laboratory experience, antenna measurements, or AI‑based optimisation methods would be advantageous but are not essential.
Please note that there are more projects than funded scholarships available, therefore this is a competitive application process. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview by 20th May 2026. It is anticipated that the interviews will take place on 26th/27th May 2026 via Teams. After interview the most outstanding applicants will be offered a studentship.
You must submit your application in full by Friday 15th May 2026, including the following documents:
* A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
* Full CV
* Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
* Provide references from two individuals – please contact your referees and ask them to send your reference directly to gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk from their email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 17th May 2026)
* Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
* International applicants must be able to provide an IELTS 6.5 (with no element below 6) or equivalent English Language certificate or proof of study in the UK within the past 2 years, for their application to be considered for shortlisting.
Please email gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.
Where to apply
E‑mail gs.pgradmissions@hud.ac.uk
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