Fully Funded PhD in Development of broadband electronic warfare sensors for signal detection and direction finding, Australia
About the Project
Who can apply? • Australian & New Zealand Citizens
Industry partner and funding body • SRC Aus Pty. Ltd. • Defence Trailblazer
Program of study available • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) with the University of Adelaide
Total annual stipend amount • $50,000 p.a. for four years
Start date • No later than July 2024
In military terms, electronic support (ES) is the branch of electronic warfare (EW) related to the collection and analysis of electromagnetic signals in the environment to identify and inform decision makers/ users for situational awareness.
The aim of this project is to develop a novel airborne ES sensor capable of operating in a complex congested Radio Frequency (RF) environment. The sensor will consist of a broadband antenna array, RF front end and digital backend. The candidate(s) will develop novel antenna designs with Direction Finding (DF) functionality, integrating the designs to build a complete sensor device. They will also be exposed to cutting edge algorithms for emitter DF, and signal parameterisation and characterisation.
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants with strong experimental and numerical skills in antennas, RF circuit designs, and signal processing will be considered favourably
- Excellent students who hold an Honours degree or equivalent in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Software Engineering, Telecommunications, or Mathematics would be especially suitable and encouraged to apply
- Applicants with well-developed written and verbal communication skills will be considered favourably
- Be willing to provide your personal details by way of a Student Deed Poll.
Benefits
- Work closely with experts on defence industry led projects
- Translate research into a tangible solution
- $50,000 p.a. tax-free* stipend (pro-rated for eligible parttime students)
- No tuition fees apply
- Acquire a unique set of skills and expertise
- Enhance your employability skills sought after by industry; graduates are highly regarded by employers
- Opportunities for local and international travel
- Work alongside world-leading researchers
- Gain industry experience and grow your networks
- Solve real life problems through industry engaged projects
- Publish your contributions
- Become an expert and make a real impact
- Access paid annual, parental and personal leave.
More about Defence Trailblazer
The Defence Trailblazer for Concept to Sovereign Capability is a once in a generation opportunity to strengthen the collaboration between defence, academia and industry whilst accelerating research and commercialisation. In partnership with the University of Adelaide (UoA), the University of New South Wales (UNSW), industry partners and supported by the Australian Government, the initiative will skill the workforce of the future, support defence-focussed innovation, and play a leading role in accelerating the delivery of sovereign capabilities for the nation’s security and prosperity…at-speed and at-scale. Learn more.
Industry Research Program
All students supported under the Defence Trailblazer initiative will participate in the Defence Trailblazer Industry Research Program (IRP).
Candidates will be located on-site at both university and industry offices for at least 60 FTE days (prorated for eligible Masters candidates), to enable professional development opportunities in an industry setting.
Defence Research Capability
Academics participating in the Defence Trailblazer IRP are leaders in their fields.
UNSW adds a critical dimension to preparing defence forces across areas as diverse as Autonomous Systems, Hypersonics, Sensors and Space. The UNSW Defence Capability Portfolio showcases UNSW’s excellence in defence research and technology and highlights work across academia, government and industry, as well as with global policy makers, to create a hub of defencerelated knowledge. The vision is to translate this knowledge into impact which can transform Australian and global societies.
There’s no greater reassurance for our community than knowing we’re well prepared to prevent or avert threats to our security. UoA researchers support this in very domain: on land and online; in space, the air and at sea, working extensively with the Department of Defence and defence-related organisations in a variety of ways—as an advisor, research partner and producer of high-quality, career-ready graduates equipped to make our world a better and more secure place.
Find out more about defence research at the University of Adelaide.
How to apply
- Complete an expression of interest
- The primary supervisor will assess your eligibility, and if successful, will prompt your application for admission via University of Adelaide.
Further information
For a confidential discussion contact:
A/Prof Brian Ng
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
The University of Adelaide | Adelaide SA 5005
T: 08 8313 5054
Please note – due to security clearances required, this opportunity is ONLY available to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents, New Zealand Citizens or international students currently studying in Australia, who are citizens of Five Eyes Alliance Nations.
Defence Industry professionals are encouraged to apply. Want to undertake this opportunity as a Masters instead? Contact Lisa Staines lstaines@dtb.solutions, Defence Trailblazer Workforce Portfolio Manager to discuss further
