University of Technology Sydney (UTS) PhD Scholarship Opportunity
Expressions of interest invited
Applications Open: 1 March 2023
Applications Close: 30 June 2023
Project Overview
Project title: "Sustainable Sensing, Enhanced Connectivity, and Data Analytics for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture".
Globally, the internet of things (IoT) in agriculture is estimated to be worth US$21.99 Bn with a projected growth (CAGR) of 10.1% to $35.55 Bn by 2026 (HPE.com). The global soil moisture sensor market size is expected to reach US$351.23 Mn by 2026 (CAGR of 8.8%) (360researchreports.com). Businesses are looking to invest in new and better soil sensor products. Despite substantial growth and optimism, and advances in modern sensor design, there remain constraints associated with connectivity, accuracy, durability, cost, maintenance and battery dependency. In Australia, these limitations are amplified by the harsh environmental (i.e. temperature, moisture range, soil pH) and challenging operational (i.e. sparsity of networks/telecommunications, scale) conditions in which we operate – especially large-scale agriculture.
This industry project will address key constraints of: (i) power consumption, (ii) sensing methods and modes, (iii) remote sensing and remote data collection (iv) connectivity and networking and (vi) supporting data analytics aimed at improving both sensor performance and system optimisation.
A fully funded PhD Scholarship is available for an outstanding candidate to work on a 3.5 year PhD program (with possible extension) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) within the RF and Communications Technologies (RFCT) lab. Based within the Faculty of Engineering and IT, the RFCT lab brings together a collaborative multidisciplinary research and development group engaged in industry-based R&D. The successful PhD candidate will join a collaborative industry-led R&D project comprising NTT (The Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation), the Food Agility CRC and UTS. The candidate will work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary collaborative research team, to undertake independent scientific investigations and carry out associated tasks under the guidance of academics and industry mentors. Quality research outcomes and publications in high impact journals and conferences will be expected.
PhD Project 2-WP2: Embedded system Design for Precision Urban and Rural Agriculture
This project exists to create a generation of agriculture sensors, sensing and communication technologies 'fit for Australian agricultural purpose' factoring in inherent limitations of current systems in performance, connectivity and power.
This work package includes airborne data collection, satellite links for IoT devices, and simultaneous information and power transfer (SWIPT) systems. We are seeking an experienced Embedded Developer to join our team.
Relevant skills and qualifications for the PhD position include a strong background in wireless communications technologies and C programming, experience with embedded development, experience with microcontrollers, and the ability to write drivers. Bonus points for experience with FPGAs.
Responsibilities:
· Design, develop, and maintain embedded systems
· Write and maintain software and drivers for microcontrollers
· Troubleshoot and debug embedded systems
· Work closely with hardware engineers to ensure proper system integration
Requirements:
· Strong proficiency in C programming
· Experience with microcontrollers, including programming and debugging
· Experience writing drivers for embedded systems
· Bonus: experience with FPGAs
· Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently
· Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team environment
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of publishing research in academic journals and presenting at conferences.
Scholarship
The scholarship is available to eligible domestic/international candidates to undertake 3.5 year full-time Ph.D. program (with possible extension). The scholarship is comprised of a Tuition Fee Offset and a Living Allowance Stipend. The value and tenure of the scholarship is a full-time stipend rate of $33000 per annum (indexed annually). A top-up scholarship is available for highly qualified candidates.
Expressions of Interest
Prospective applicants should submit an expression of interest by providing the following information by email to Negin Shariati: [Email Address Removed]
· 2-page CV including GPA and/or weighted average mark (WAM), publications and industry experience
· Copies of your Academic Transcripts (for all degrees completed)
We are seeking applicants with outstanding academic merit with prior research experience in RF and electronic sensors, remote sensing, drone-based data collection, ULP communication links, satellite links for IoT devices, wireless network data analytics for performance enhancement of low-power IoT networks , drone-based mobile base stations, multi-sensor fusion for improved sensor accuracy, exploitation of multimodal sources for improved predictive analytics, and AI to enable lower-power consumption WSNs.
To be competitive in winning a scholarship, you will need at least some of the following attributes:
· A bachelor’s degree in RF and communication technologies, electronics, electrical, computer engineering, data engineering, computer science and related disciplines with first-class honours or equivalent, and/or
· A UTS-recognised master’s by research or master’s by coursework in a relevant discipline with a substantial research component, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate research studies.
· Previously published papers in reputable international conferences or journals (SJR Q1 journals are highly regarded).
· Graduated from top Universities
· Industry experience is a bonus.
· Can communicate effectively in English and capable of technical writing in English: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/international/essential-information/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements
Continue with Facebook
