Security Screening: developing detection principles and techniques that are applicable to a wide range of contraband

The Imaging Science Group at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) has a fulltime, fully funded scholarship available in material specific imaging for security screening. The successful candidate will be based at the NTU Clifton campus and will work in a multidisciplinary team, helping to develop new approaches to enhance aviation security systems. As a part of the research group, you will benefit from access to state of the art laboratory facilities at NTU and collaborating institutions; including government labs, industry and other research-intensive universities. The project aim is to develop detection principles and techniques that are applicable to a wide range of contraband including explosives/precursors, narcotics, alcohol, fruit, ivory, hardwoods. The work will also address the issue of identifying contraband within cluttered luggage or packages, without manual searches or handling the items. This exciting, multidisciplinary project would suit a highly motivated individual interested in any of the following areas: image analysis, material science, simulation and modelling, physics and engineering.

By being part of a highly experienced team, led by Distinguished Professor Paul Evans, you will benefit from over 20 years of leading record of accomplishment in the field of X-ray security imaging. The group’s achievements have been recognised by a Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2016, which highlighted their world class research and industrial impact. This work has attracted around £5 million research funding from UK and US governments over recent years.

Entry requirements:
This programme seeks candidates with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) at 2:1 level (or above) in a relevant subject area (i.e. physics, maths, chemistry, forensics science, engineering, computing) or an equivalence in industry experience.

Eligibility:
Applications can be accepted from UK/EU and also International students. The minimum English language proficiency requirement for candidates who have not undertaken a higher degree at a UK HE institution is IELTS 6.5 (with no element to be below 6.0). For further details please contact the NTU Doctoral School.