PhD Studentship - Machine Learning for Resilient Cell-Free Massive MIMO

Research theme: "Next Generation Wireless Networks", "Signal Processing", "Machine Learning"

UK only

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

This PhD project aims to design novel resource allocation and signal processing methods using machine learning techniques to enhance the resilience, efficiency, and security of cell-free massive MIMO systems, which are expected to play a key role in next-generation 6G wireless networks.

Cell-free massive MIMO represents a significant advancement in wireless communications, where a large number of distributed access points cooperate to serve users without traditional cell boundaries. This architecture offers improved coverage, user fairness, and spectral efficiency, making it crucial for applications such as autonomous transportation, smart cities, industrial automation, and mission-critical communications. A key challenge in cell-free massive MIMO is maintaining high performance under dynamic channel conditions, hardware imperfections, and potential adversarial interference, while ensuring energy-efficient and scalable operation.

This PhD project will focus on developing machine learning algorithms to enable robust channel estimation, intelligent user association, adaptive resource allocation, efficient beamforming, and security-aware network operation. The research will aim to build resilient and secure 6G networks capable of supporting a wide range of demanding applications.

Students on this project will have the opportunity to work alongside leading international research teams and industrial partners at the forefront of beyond-5G and 6G technologies. The findings from this research are expected to contribute significantly to both academic knowledge and practical applications, helping to shape the next generation of resilient and intelligent wireless communication systems.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline.

*Solid background in mathematics, programming, and machine learning.
*Interest or experience in wireless communications, signal processing, or 6G technologies.

To apply, please contact the main supervisor; Dr. Zahra Mobini - zahra.mobini@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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