PhD Studentship: SAEMS Submersible Autonomous Ecosystem Monitoring System

Project Overview

• Project title: SAEMS Submersible Autonomous Ecosystem Monitoring System
• Supervisors: Dr Pawel Ladosz & Prof Bart van Dongen
• Cohort research challenge: Long-term autonomous monitoring and maintenance of assets
• Year 1 MSc Course: MSc Robotics
• Year 2 – 4 PhD Location: The University of Manchester 

Abstract: This project will focus on robotic underwater visual inspections and water sample collection in lake-spawning charr habitats in Lake Windermere. Currently, there are two main challenges with this type of inspection:

1. Data collection is largely a manual process, using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and/or handheld devices. This limits the repeatability and reliability of data collection.
2. Spawning mainly occurs at night, which introduces significant operational difficulties. Night-time deployment of manned vessels is restricted under current legislation, thereby rendering the use of manned boats impractical.

To address these problems, an autonomous inspection system needs to be developed. The system should be launched from the shoreline and be capable of autonomously completing its mission over a distance of 2 km. This will enable data to be collected repeatedly and reliably and allow the ROV to operate at night without the need for a manned boat.

This project will require several underwater robotics deployments across Cumbria; therefore, it is expected that the candidate will be based at the University of Manchester’s RAICo One facility (https://hotrobotics.co.uk/facilities/university-of-manchester-2/). The facility is well equipped to support underwater robotics research, providing access to underwater robots (BlueROV, mallARD), large water tank and underwater positioning system.

About the RAINZ CDT

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence for Net Zero is a partnership between three of the UK’s leading universities (The University of Manchester, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford).

Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) is an essential enabling technology for the Net Zero transition in the UK’s energy sector. However, significant technological and cultural barriers are limiting its effectiveness. Overcoming these barriers is a key target of this CDT.  The CDT’s research projects will focus on how RAS can be used for the inspection, maintenance and repair of new infrastructure in renewables (wind, solar, geothermal, tidal, hydrogen) and nuclear (fission and fusion), and to support the decarbonization of existing maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

Funding:

This 4-year studentship covers tuition fees at Home student rate, a tax-free stipend, and a Research Training and Support Grant. As part of TechExpert, successful Home applicants receive an additional £10,000 annual stipend enhancement.

Funding for this project is provided by The University of Manchester.

Eligibility

Applicants should hold a First or strong Upper Second-class honours degree (2:1 with 65% average), or international equivalent, in Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a related discipline. Applicants should also demonstrate evidence of programming experience.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the RAINZ CDT website by 13 February 2026, where further information about the CDT is also available.  Informal enquiries can be made by emailing rainz@manchester.ac.uk.

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