PhD studentship: Federated Multi-task Learning under Dynamic Sensor Networks for Edge-enabled Sleep Management

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). 

Overview

Edge-based sleep management offers an accessible solution for monitoring sleep patterns, gaining insights into sleep-related issues, and personalised sleep health management. However, the dynamic nature of sensor networks caused by frequently adding and removing nodes has become the bottleneck in achieving optimal performance and trustworthiness. This project will focus on how a federated multi-task learning framework can be effectively designed and optimised to address the challenges of dynamic sensor networks for sleep management. Through the joint supervision between multiple disciplines, the student will be offered a unique opportunity to develop a robust personal portfolio in edge intelligence for healthcare while gaining comprehensive training in both professional and ethical aspects of research. 

Number Of Awards: 1

Start Date: 1st October 2025

Award Duration: 4 years

Application Closing Date: 16th June 2025

Sponsor: EPSRC  

Supervisors

Jingjing Zhang 

Patrick Degenaar 

Ilke Turkmendag 

Jason Ellis 

Greg Elder 

Eligibility Criteria

A minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (such as mathematics or theoretical physics) is our standard entry, however we place value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. Excellent Analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements. A Masters qualification is not required if you have a minimum 2:1 degree or can evidence alternative experience in a work or research-based project. If you have alternative qualifications or experience, please contact us to discuss.  

For EPSRC DLA applications we are following the EDEPI competency-based framework. Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here. 

This studentship is for Home students only. 

How To Apply

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8060F. 
• select 'PhD Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time)' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section: 

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template. 
• the studentship code DLA2510 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. 
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.    

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details

Jingjing Zhang Jingjing.Zhang@ncl.ac.uk 

You can also contact: doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application. 

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