PhD studentship in Wireless Communication in Agri. Tech

Post summary

Applications are invited for a PhD position funded by the Science Foundation Ireland VistaMilk “Dairy by Design” Research Centre. VistaMilk is a multi-disciplinary Research Centre that focuses on Agri. Tech, bringing together the disciplines of ICT and Agriculture. The research centre consists of Telecommunication Software & Systems Group (TSSG)-Waterford Institute of Technology, Tyndall National Institute-UCC, INSIGHT research centre for data analytics-UCD, and Teagasc.

The promise of 5G has started to see new emerging technologies that has developed and progressed beyond 4G. This includes new wireless spectrum with signals communicating through mm-wave (60 Ghz). The use of 60 Ghz has improved communication capacity, but at the same time has also brought along a number of challenges as well. One of the primary challenges is in the blockages that can deteriorate the signals between the transmitter and the receiver. This has resulted in enhancements needed for communication protocols, and in particular from the perspective of new multi-connectivity techniques as well as access protocols to improve the quality of the signals. The challenge, however, does not only lie in the blockages due to objects, but can also be due to the atmospheric conditions (molecular absorption), blockages, scattering as the signals encounter objects constructed from different materials in farming environments. In the case of blockages, this could largely be due to the animal’s movement as well as farming equipment. Molecular absorption will also be widespread in the farming environments, due largely to the types of chemicals and fertilizers that will be used on the farm.

The PhD research aims to develop new wireless communication networking models for 5G/6G for Agri. Tech. In particular the research will invesgitate new communication protocols for devices (including sensors) that can communicate to 5G/6G base stations, and in particular for sub-terahertz or mm-wave spectrum. The PhD candidate should have a strong background in wireless communication engineering, and in particular focusing on communication protocols. The candidate should have a very strong mathematical background as well as simulation programming skills. The PhD project will be for 4 years and will cover fees in addition to a personal stipend and research expenses.

The candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated, and willing to work in a multi-disciplinary collaboration environment for future emerging topics in Agri. Tech. The candidate is also expected to be self-motivated, capable of working on his or her own initiative and fit in with the friendly atmosphere within the wider research team.

This is a 4 year full-time structured PhD programme. The scholarship consists of:

Stipend: €18,500 per annum for 4 years
Fees: €4,500 per annum for 4 years

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Bsc in Engineering in Electrical and Electronics (specializing in communication engineering)

Desirable

• MSc degree in Engineering in Electrical and Electronics (specializing in communication theory engineering).

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Strong mathematical modelling skills in communication engineering (in particular strong background in wireless communication engineering).
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills.
• Good programming skills with experience in MATLAB, python programming skills, or other tools used for modelling.
• Experience with simulation tools used in communication networks (e.g., ns3).

Desirable

• Experience in mathematical modelling and analysis of communication systems, and this may include physical layer (e.g., modulation or coding) to networking layer.
• Expertise in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Skills & Competencies

Essential

• Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see WIT’s English Language Requirements for details.
• Highly motivated, demonstrate initiative and ability to work within multi-disciplinary project team to achieve results
• Have an academic record of excellence and good writing skills.

Desirable

• Paper Publications/ Journal writing and submission experience.
• Full list of publications, if any.

Further information

For any informal queries, please contact Jane Mahony at email: [Email Address Removed] or telephone: +00353 (0) 51 834173
For queries relating to the application and admission process please contact the Postgraduate Admissions Office via email [Email Address Removed] or telephone +353 (0)51 302883.

Website: www.wit.ie

Application procedure

Download the Research Postgraduate Application Form and return completed applications to [Email Address Removed], quoting WD_2020_17 in the email subject line.

Please note that paper submissions will not be accepted.