Development of Fibre-Enabled, Distributed Gas Sensing for Environmental and Industrial Monitoring

Supervisory Team: Dr Natalie Wheeler, Prof Radan Slavík, Dr Martynas Beresna

Project Description

We are looking for a new PhD student to join our growing team, working on the design and development of next generation optical fibres to enable novel distributed gas sensing networks. Key applications include environmental and industrial process monitoring.

In our recently funded project, we are combining our expertise in novel fibre development, laser machining and distributed measurements in order to develop a new gas sensor which will enable fast detection of gas leaks (e.g., methane) with high spatial resolution, to reduce fugitive emissions and help combat global warming.

We are looking for a student with a background in Physics, Chemistry or Engineering. You will enjoy problem-solving, developing creative solutions and have a passion for experimental work with an enthusiasm to work on an emerging technology from early lab-based experiments into prototype development for field-tests with our partners.

This project is based at the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton. The ORC has led the world in optical fibre technology research for the past 50 years and welcomes around 20 new PhD students each year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2_6yNQamkU. We collaborate with a wide range of academic and industrial partners, including Microsoft, CERN and Jacobs Clean Energy. With over 90 state-of-the-art laboratories and 200 researchers working in all areas of photonics, the ORC provides an outstanding interdisciplinary environment for students to grow. Its cluster of 12 photonics spin-out companies provides a natural career path for PhD graduates.

In the first year of your PhD, a structured training programme runs alongside the research project, providing a gradual transition from taught degree to open-ended research. Students present their work at international conferences, first-author papers in leading academic journals and emerge with skills at the forefront of glass and fibre optics research. Former PhD researchers have made successful careers in universities worldwide or as industry scientists and business leaders.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Natalie Wheeler, Gas Photonics in Hollow Core Fibres, [Email Address Removed]

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing Date

Applications are accepted throughout the year. The start date will typically be late September, but other dates are possible.

Funding

For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate plus £2,000 ORC enhancement tax-free per annum for up to 3.5 years (totalling around £21,000 for 2024/25, rising annually). EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. CSC students are eligible for fee waivers. Funding for other international applicants is very limited and highly competitive. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How To Apply

Apply online via the ‘Apply’ button above. Select programme type (Research), Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD ORC”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include:

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: [Email Address Removed]