At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop AI-driven cognitive navigation systems for autonomous transport.
- Company: Cranfield University and Spirent Communications, leaders in navigation technology.
- Benefits: Fully-funded PhD with £24,000 bursary and full tuition coverage.
- Other info: Gain industry experience with placements at Spirent and present at international conferences.
- Why this job: Contribute to the UK's Net Zero transport strategy and advance intelligent mobility solutions.
- Qualifications: First or second class degree in a related field; programming skills in Python or MATLAB.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
This fully-funded PhD studentship, sponsored by the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Awards (DLA), Cranfield University and Spirent Communications, offers a bursary of £24,000 per annum, covering full tuition fees. This PhD project in the area of autonomy, navigation and artificial intelligence aims to advance the development of intelligent and resilient navigation systems for autonomous transport.
While autonomy is becoming more integrated into modern mobility, the reliability of Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems—especially in environments where GNSS signals are denied or degraded—remains a critical challenge. This project will focus on designing AI-driven cognitive navigation solutions that can adaptively fuse multiple sensor sources under uncertainty, enabling safe and efficient operation of autonomous systems in complex, real-world conditions.
This PhD project aims to develop resilient Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) systems for autonomous transport, addressing a critical challenge in the UK's Net Zero transition. Current satellite dependent navigation remains vulnerable to interference, jamming and signal degradation, causing serious problems for safe and efficient transport. By integrating artificial intelligence (AI), multi-sensor fusion, and cognitive systems, the research will pioneer robust navigation architectures. These improvements are key to making future transport systems safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
The aim of this project is to design a smart cognitive navigation framework that uses information from various sensors and learns to make decisions on its own. It will use signals from different sources—such as radio signals and internal sensors—to maintain robust and accurate PNT, even when satellite signals are weak or missing. A built-in intelligent system will manage and adjust the way information is used in real time.
The project is co-sponsored by Spirent Communications, a world leader in navigation and testing technology. The project will advance intelligent and resilient navigation systems, contributing to the UK’s Net Zero transport strategy. Outcomes will include novel AI algorithms, validated navigation architectures, and new insights into next-generation intelligent mobility solutions.
The student will undertake two industry placements at Spirent, use high-tech simulation equipment, and have access to valuable industry data. The student will benefit from opportunities to present at leading international conferences. Additional training in software-defined radio, hardware-in-the-loop testing, and advanced AI methods will further enrich the student’s research experience.
Application deadline: 30 Sep 2026
Start date: 25 Jan 2027
Duration: 3.5 years
Eligibility: UK
Entry Requirements:
- Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline.
- Experience with programming (Python, MATLAB).
- Background in aerospace, computer science, robotics, or electrical engineering graduates.
- Hands-on skills in implementation of fusion/learning based techniques in the areas of robotics or autonomous systems.
- Interested in autonomous systems and signal processing.
- Keen to work with equipment and embedded platforms.
Funding: Sponsored by EPSRC, Spirent Communications PLC and Cranfield University, this DLA studentship will provide a bursary of up to £24,000 (tax free) plus fees for three and a half years. To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be classified as a Home fee status student.
PhD Studentship: Ubiquitous Cognitive Navigation with AI Based Systems in Cranfield employer: Emerging Scholars Council
Newcastle University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant academic environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. With a strong commitment to research excellence and professional development, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge resources and opportunities for growth in the field of implementation science. Located in a dynamic city known for its rich cultural heritage and supportive community, Newcastle University provides a unique setting for meaningful and impactful work.
