University of Reading - (The University of Reading, the University of York, and BT)
Applications are invited for two 3-year PhD studentships funded as part of an EPSRC joint project (Reading, York, and BT). The studentships provide an opportunity to carry out cutting edge research in signal processing and wireless communications and to interact with industry in a 3-year programme leading to the degree of PhD.
Future wireless systems are expected to involve a plethora of small, low-cost communication nodes which will be widely distributed in the infrastructure of cities to provide truly pervasive and seamless communication and other services such as sensor networks. Perhaps the most fundamental challenge in these systems as in all wireless communications is channel fading. In these pervasive wireless systems, however, the individual nodes may be equipped with only a single antenna due to cost and size constraints. One powerful strategy to combat channel fading in the above systems is to apply space-time block coding (STBC) in a distributed fashion: creating and harnessing space diversity by enabling a cluster of wireless nodes to relay signals for each other and effectively create a distributed (or virtual) antenna array - with each relay node serving as one antenna element in the STBC array. A major challenge to distributed STBC, however, is that the system is fundamentally asynchronous.
To tackle the above challenge more effectively, this project will employ a more fundamental and flexible approach: developing coding and modulation structures which are inherently delay-tolerant (coherent or non-coherent). Considering the fact that most wireless nodes are powered by batteries, equally important is to ensure low complexity both at the relays and at the receiver.
Studentship 1 (Based in Reading)
This PhD project will focus on the issues of delay and channel estimation (for coherent schemes) as well as the associated synchronisation and relay selection.
Click here for details of a second Studentship (Based in York)
The Applicants
The ideal candidates must have a strong background in signal processing and/or wireless communications, and at least an upper second first UK degree or its overseas equivalent. Excellent algorithm design and simulation skills are highly desirable. They should also have a good command of both oral and written English, and should be a responsible and adaptable member of a project team.The successful students will work closely with the other members of the project team, and will attend the regular technical meetings in Reading, York, and Ipswich (BT), as well as international conferences as required.
Funding
The scholarships cover the university tuition fees at the UK students level, and provide an EPSRC stipend of £13290 per annum. Travel expenses will also be provided.
Start Date
4 January 2010, or as soon as possible after that.
How to apply
Suitable applicants should send (1) a covering letter (indicating which location you are interested in, Reading, York, or both, as well as your fee situation), and (2) their CV, to both Prof F. Zheng (f.zheng@reading.ac.uk) and Prof A.G. Burr (alister@ohm.york.ac.uk). Applications will be accepted until 4 December 2009 (or until the positions have been filled after that).
In addition, applicants should also apply for admission as a PhD student at Reading and/or York by submitting the respective general PhD application form, mentioning the project name and the proposed supervisor (Prof F. Zheng for Reading and Prof A.G. Burr for York). In the universities' admission form, you will be required to provide at least two references. These should be provided by academic staff who have known you recently and are familiar with your work. If you have obtained a Masters degree, please ensure that at least one of your references is from a member of staff who has taught you.
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