PhD Studentship: Integrated Sensing and Communications for Vehicular Networks

This is a 4-year collaborative studentship which requires the candidate to spend two full years based at Coventry University (UK) and two years based at an A*Star Research Institute (Singapore). The PhD student will spend the first two years in Singapore, and the following two years in Coventry.

Project details

The integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) technology is expected to be one of the key enablers of the sixth generation (6G) of wireless networks. ISAC refers to the use of radio signals to detect and estimate characteristics of objects in the environment, with the network acting as a “sensor” to comprehend the physical world it operates within. Combining disjoint communication and sensing systems into one system brings numerous advantages covering multiple aspects, such as ubiquitous sensing and communication, reduced power consumption, smaller number of required antennas, less cabling requirements, lower cost, and higher spectral efficiency. This can be particularly beneficial for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs), which strongly rely on sensing and communication capabilities. However, the current ISAC solutions cannot cope with the unique challenges (e.g., high mobility and stringent safety requirements) associated with CAVs, making them subject to high levels of interference. Therefore, this proposal will develop advanced physical layer solutions (i.e., advanced signal processing) and radio resource management (RRM) functionalities (e.g., multi-user access and resource allocation) for ISAC in vehicular environments. The performance of the developed solutions will be evaluated through extensive link-level (i.e., physical layer) and system-level (i.e., RRM) simulations and benchmarked against existing ISAC solutions.

Candidate Specification

• A bachelor’s (honours) degree in a relevant discipline/subject area, preferably from a well-ranked university, with a minimum classification of 2:1 and a minimum mark of 60% in the project element (or equivalent), or an equivalent award from an overseas institution.
• Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component, or the TOEFL iBT test with a minimum overall score of 95 with a minimum of 21 in each of the four sections).
• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 4 years.

For further details please visit:  https://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-opportunities/research-students/making-an-application/research-entry-criteria/.

Additional requirements

• Strong background in wireless communications and networking with solid knowledge of advanced signal processing techniques and radio resource management functionalities. Prior work on integrated sensing and communications (ISAC) is a plus.
• Excellent programming and prototyping skills with experience in carrying out link- and sys-tem-level simulations of wireless networks using publicly available tools (e.g., MATLAB, NS3, and OMNeT++).
• Good knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) techniques. Prior experi-ence implementing AI/ML algorithms using well-known frameworks (e.g., PyTorch and Ten-sorFlow) is an advantage.
• Aspiration to achieve high-quality research contributions and publications in leading confer-ences and journals. Prior research experience and publications are clear advantages.

How to apply

All applications require a covering letter and a 2000-word supporting statement is required showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project. To find out more about the project please contact Dr Faouzi Bouali.

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