[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] Novel Autonomous Sensing Platforms for Monitoring Sea-Ice and Climate Processes in Polar Regions

About the project

About the Project Polar regions are undergoing rapid environmental change, yet many key climate processes remain poorly observed due to the difficulty and cost of obtaining long-term measurements in remote environments. Observations of sea-ice thickness, melt pond evolution and ice drift are essential for understanding climate change, supporting internationally recognised Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), and improving the calibration and validation of satellite-derived observations. Closing these observational gaps is critical for improving climate models and understanding atmosphere-ice-ocean interactions in some of the world's most rapidly changing environments. This PhD will develop novel autonomous sensing technologies for monitoring sea-ice and climate processes using a low-cost, scalable buoy platform suitable for deployment in remote polar environments. Building on a successfully demonstrated prototype developed in collaboration with the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), the project will investigate new approaches for autonomous environmental observation using advanced embedded systems, sensor instrumentation and electromagnetic sensing technologies. The existing platform already incorporates environmental sensing, communications, autonomous power systems and sea-ice sensing, providing a unique opportunity to focus on scientific and technological innovation rather than initial proof-of-concept development. Research topics may include electromagnetic sensing of sea-ice thickness, autonomous monitoring of melt pond properties, environmental and positional sensing, sensor fusion, signal processing, low-power embedded systems, communications technologies and autonomous environmental monitoring. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of next-generation scientific instrumentation capable of operating in extreme natural environments whilst delivering high-quality environmental observations over extended periods of time. A distinctive feature of the project is the opportunity to develop technologies intended for real-world deployment in polar environments. Through collaboration with BAS, the student will contribute to the testing, validation and potential deployment of prototype systems, gaining experience rarely available within a traditional laboratory-based PhD. The project also offers opportunities to engage with the wider polar research community through seminars, workshops and research events involving leading international polar scientists. The technologies developed during this PhD have the potential to support future autonomous climate observing networks and provide valuable data for climate science, meteorological forecasting and validation of satellite-based Earth observation systems. More broadly, the project contributes to the development of observational capabilities needed to understand how polar environments are responding to climate change and to monitor long-term environmental trends. The successful candidate will join an established research team and receive training in embedded systems, electronics, sensing technologies, signal processing and experimental research, whilst contributing to technologies that may help shape the future of climate monitoring in polar regions. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronic Computer Engineering, Physics or a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronic Computer Engineering, Physics or a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent). Previous research experience in electronics, embedded systems, programming, sensor instrumentation, signal processing or experimental research is desirable. This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. 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