PhD Studentship - Distributed Radar Imaging from Airborne Platforms

Overview

The University of Birmingham's School of Engineering invites applications for a funded PhD studentship focused on Distributed Radar Imaging from Airborne Platforms. This doctoral research project addresses cutting edge challenges in radar systems by exploring the design, signal processing, and experimental evaluation of distributed synthetic aperture radar (SAR) architectures for airborne sensor networks. The aim is to investigate how multiple coordinated airborne platforms can cooperate to collect high quality radar data, offering enhanced flexibility, improved spatial coverage, and more resilient imaging compared with conventional single platform systems. The research will include analysis of distributed and multi static SAR architectures, synchronisation of time, frequency and phase across platforms, study of platform geometry and motion effects, development of distributed SAR image formation algorithms, and experimental validation using bespoke radar facilities. Collaborative insight will be drawn from academic experts and industrial partners to ensure relevance to real world sensing and surveillance applications.

Eligibility

Applicants should normally hold, or expect to obtain, a first class or strong upper second class undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant engineering or science discipline, such as Electronic/Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate academic ability and motivation for advanced research, with an interest in radar systems and autonomous sensing platforms. The studentship is primarily intended for UK/Home applicants; specific eligibility follows UK research council funding criteria.

Required expertise/skills

Candidates should possess a strong foundation in radar and sensing systems, signal processing, and relevant mathematical and computational techniques. Experience with numerical modelling and simulation tools, familiarity with advanced imaging algorithms, and an interest in experimental validation of sensing architectures are desirable. Excellent analytical and communication skills are expected to support both research execution and dissemination of findings.

Salary details

The studentship covers UK tuition fees and provides the standard UKRI PhD maintenance stipend. An additional allowance is provided for project related expenses, including travel, trials participation and conference attendance. The project is co funded by the University of Birmingham and Leonardo UK, which contributes industrial perspective and domain expertise.

Application Deadline

Closing date: Saturday 13 June 2026.