EngD Studentships in Radar Signal, University College London

UK. Four years studentships leading to the award of an Engineering Doctorate Degree, which offers the opportunity to conduct research within an industrial context. This studentship will pay a tax-free stipend of approximately £18,000 per year, and fees will also be paid.

The post will be based at the site of the industrial sponsor in Sussex. It is offered under the Communications Engineering Doctorate Programme, which is jointly run by the E&EE Dept. and the Computer Science Dept. at UCL.

The successful candidate will have a 1st or 2.1 undergraduate degree, and/or a masters degree in a relevant discipline.

The programme of research will be aimed at the development of new radar signal processing techniques for the detection, tracking and classification of difficult targets. Examples of potential application areas include radars for tactical UAVs, operating over land and littoral maritime environments, ground-based and airborne battlefield surveillance radars and airborne early warning radars.

The proposed research will involve a combination of computer modelling, analysis of recorded radar data and assessment of radar trials results. This is supported by a large archive of recorded radar data from recent airborne and ground-based radar development and assessment trials. In addition, further radar trials and data gathering are planned over the next few years, in support of future product development.

A number of distinct radar research areas may be covered as part of an EngD programme:1) New coherent processing techniques for airborne maritime radars, for the detection of slow moving targets in sea clutter. 2) Displaced Phase Centre Antenna (DPCA) and Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) techniques for the detection and geolocation of slow moving ground targets from small airborne platforms. 3)Techniques of the tracking and classification of targets detected with Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) radars.

In each case, the work is likely to involve a variety of lines of research: Analysis of recorded radar data to develop mathematical models of targets and their environment. Development of signal processing algorithms, using analytical techniques and computer modelling methods. Assessment of radar detection performance using recorded data and in radar trials.

This work will require the development of knowledge of probability and statistics, signal processing techniques and aspects of radar systems design. It will provide an excellent opportunity to work with an innovative team working on the latest surveillance radar developments.

Informal enquiries on the project can be made to Prof. Chris Baker c.baker@ee.ucl.ac.uk .

To apply please request an application pack from Pat Johnson, p.johnson@ee.ucl.ac.uk or tel: 020 7679 7307. Candidates should mark their application form “RADAR SIGNAL EngD”.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 31st December 2006.

There is actually no fixed deadline for applications, as an Engineering Doctorate can start at any time of the year. However, applicants are advised to submit their application forms as soon as possible, as competition for places is significant.