High Resolution Sensing and Computing for Extreme Conditions

About the Project

Supervisors:

Bahareh Zaghari bahareh.zaghari@soton.ac.uk

This project, within the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton (https://qte.ac.uk), carries a UKRI TechExpert enhanced annual stipend around £31k for UK students. While researching the project outlined below you will also receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description:

Aviation is entering a transformative era defined by emerging propulsion technologies, intelligence, and innovations such as quantum technologies. If you are driven to create high-resolution sensing technologies that enable smarter, data-informed decision-making in aviation, this project offers an opportunity to contribute to the next generation of intelligent aerospace systems.

Developing lightweight sensing capabilities for aerospace applications is a critical step toward achieving precise perception, navigation, and environmental awareness in next-generation flight systems. However, these sensors are inherently limited by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) constraints, which are exacerbated by the miniaturisation and low-power requirements of airborne platforms. The proposed research aims to investigate how emerging quantum sensing and quantum-inspired signal processing techniques can overcome such limitations, enabling aircraft with significantly enhanced detection capabilities under constrained operating conditions. Fundamental understanding of MEMS design principles, printing technologies, and their interaction with physical domains such as acoustics, vibration, and thermal fluctuations is required. Through access to our state-of-the-art MEMS printing facility, the project will enable the fabrication and characterisation of customised microscale sensor architectures. This interdisciplinary approach will enable the exploration of how nanoscale quantum phenomena can be engineered within microscale sensor platforms, advancing both the theoretical and practical foundations of quantum-enhanced sensing for aerospace systems.

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Bahareh Zaghari bahareh.zaghari@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements:

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent).

Closing Date:

31 July 2026. International applicants must apply before 31 March 2026.

Funding:

See funding notes below.

How to Apply:

Please apply via the online portal and select:

• Programme type: Research
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Full time or part time
• Faculty: Engineering and Physical Sciences

Search for programme PhD Quantum Tech Eng

Please add the name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application.

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts/ certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.

Funding Notes

Funding on a competitive basis.

UK students receive a 4-year UKRI TechExpert tax-free stipend around £31k per year (UKRI minimum +10k); studentships at the UKRI base rate are available for EU and Horizon Europe students and International students. Overseas students who have or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.