Telecoms

The Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering is seeking to award two research studentships to start in October 2006. Applications are invited from candidates motivated to undertake a three year research programme, initially registering for a MPhil and then leading to a PhD.

There are two possible research project areas available:

1. Dynamic Spectrum Management for High Altitude Platforms

The project will contribute to the European research project COST 297, HAPCOS (High Altitude Platforms for Communications and Other Services) involving Portsmouth and other national and international research partners.  The purpose of the studentship will be to investigate the simulation and modelling of adaptive rain fade and interference mitigation techniques for High Altitude Platform (HAP) Communications.  The candidate should have a good understanding of wireless communication systems at the physical and data link layers (e.g. medium access).  A good knowledge of MATLAB or OPNET would also be an advantage.

2. Mobile and Fixed Broadband Communications over Heterogeneous Network

The main objective of this project is to focus on the development of broadband channel models and prediction algorithms (e.g. using Pilot Symbol Assisted Modulation for OFDM transport scheme), and their application in evaluating the performance of different wireless systems in the presence of spatial and temporal channel fading conditions. The candidate would be expected to have a good knowledge of at least one wireless system standard and at least two of the following: coding schemes, multiple access schemes (OFDM, CDMA, etc.), MIMO systems, and radio signal propagation.  The successful candidate may be required to design and carry out experimental measurements using a wideband channel sounder and hence, knowledge of narrow or wideband channel measurement, modelling and communication system simulation would be a significant advantage.

Applicants should have or anticipate a first class or an upper second class Honours degree, and preferably a Masters degree, in a discipline aligned with their research area of choice. These are normally expected to be an electronic/telecommunications/computer engineering, or a physical science degree. Excellent communication skills and desire to succeed in a competitive environment are a prerequisite.

The bursary covers tuition fees for European Union (EU) students with a tax-free annual maintenance award of £12,300 from October 2006. Applicants from non-EU member countries should note that, if they were successful, they would be required to pay the difference between the EU and overseas tuition fees.  All research students in the University of Portsmouth who are in receipt of a bursary are required to receive training as lab demonstrators and undertake unpaid teaching/supervisory duties in the department of up to 6 hours per week. As part of the research training, all research students undertake a PgCert in Research Methods, tailored to their particular topic.

To apply, send a covering letter/email and a CV including contact details of two referees, quoting the reference below, to linda.janes@port.ac.uk. In the covering letter, please clearly specify which research areas indicated above you are interested in and why. This should include, but not be limited to, the expression of your understanding of the subject area and initial proposals for the research objectives.

In the absence of e-mail, please write to Mrs Linda Janes, Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, University of Portsmouth, Anglesea Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3DJ, UK.

Reference: RTEC/ECE Closing date: 5 May 2006