Project Overview
About the Position
This fully funded PhD explores AI-native and sensing-aware wireless systems where communications and sensing are co-designed end-to-end.
| Opportunity | Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI |
| Host | University of Manchester |
| Location | Manchester, United Kingdom |
| Study Level | PhD |
| Funding | Fully Funded |
| Stipend | £21,805 per year (tax-free, UKRI rate for 2026/27) |
| Application Deadline | 2 September 2026 |
| Apply | Official application page ↗ |
Basic Information
- Full Project Title: PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI
- Host Institution: The University of Manchester
- Department: Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Supervisor: Dr Kaitao Meng
- Study Level: PhD
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Start Date: January 2027
- Funding Type: Fully Funded
- Stipend: £21,805 per year (tax-free, UKRI rate for 2026/27)
- Tuition Fees: Covered for Home rate students
- Eligibility: UK Students only (Home fee status)
- Application Deadline: 2 September 2026
- Reference: jobs.ac.uk reference: DSL336
Project Description
This fully funded PhD explores AI-native and sensing-aware wireless systems where communications and sensing are co-designed end-to-end. You will unify modern machine learning, statistical signal processing, or optimisation to turn heterogeneous knowledge (channel/network state, maps and topology, mobility, hardware constraints, and task-level KPIs) into reliable and efficient decisions. The work spans theory to lightweight on-hardware prototypes, with publications targeted at leading IEEE venues in communications and signal processing, and relevant AI venues.
Indicative Research Directions (choose One or Combine):
- Network-level design and multi-node cooperation (coordination, topology design, distributed/federated learning, etc.)
- Wireless resource allocation and scheduling under multi-objective KPIs (rate, latency, detection, localisation, etc.)
- Reconfigurable/programmable radio environments and system/network-level antenna design
- Theory with guarantees (convex/non-convex optimisation, performance analysis, machine learning, etc.)
Requirements
- At least a Master's (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering-related discipline
- Strong programming ability in optimisation or machine learning (e.g., Python/Matlab/C++; PyTorch/TensorFlow)
- Experience in signal processing/wireless or SDR/GPU prototyping is a plus
- Demonstrated research potential is highly desirable (evidence may include peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals and conferences)
Contact
- Email: kaitao.meng@manchester.ac.uk
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be sent to the contacts above or raised through the channel given on the official announcement page.
Official Link
Full announcement and application portal: https://www.se.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/getting-started/applying/
Source: se.manchester.ac.uk - the details in this listing were recorded from this official page.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 2 September 2026 - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
About University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a public research university in Manchester, England, and a member of the Russell Group. It offers undergraduate, master's and doctoral programmes across engineering, science, medicine, business and the humanities. Its research community connects academic discovery with challenges in health, sustainability, technology and society through collaboration.
Official website: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/
How to Apply
Contact the main supervisor, Dr Kaitao Meng (kaitao.meng@manchester.ac.uk). Please include details of your current level of study, academic background, any relevant experience, and a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project. Apply early as the advert will be removed once the position has been filled.
Application guides
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI?
The application deadline is 2 September 2026. Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £21,805 per year (tax-free, UKRI rate for 2026/27).
Who is eligible to apply for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI?
This listing is open to UK applicants only. If you are applying from outside the UK, this one will not accept your application — filter United Kingdom listings by residency before you spend time on it. Applications are assessed by University of Manchester.
How do I apply for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI?
Applications for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI are submitted directly to University of Manchester through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does Fully Funded PhD Studentship: Wireless Communication, Signal Processing, and AI offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
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