Pioneering Active EMI Filters With AI For Sustainable Automotive Systems

About the Project

Pioneering Active EMI Filters With AI For Sustainable Automotive Systems

UCL Department / Faculty
Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering / Engineering Sciences

Location of position
Bloomsbury, London

Duration of Studentship
4 Years

Studentship description
Fully funded 4-year PhD studentship Under the IDLA scheme covering international fees, with a £22,750 per annum tax free stipend in Year 1, rising with inflation.

Organisation Information

University College London (UCL) is one of the world’s leading multidisciplinary universities, consistently ranked among the top 10 globally. Founded in 1826, UCL was the first university in England to admit students regardless of religion, and the first to admit women on equal terms with men. It is a powerhouse of research and innovation, with a strong tradition of pioneering work across engineering, science, and policy. UCL’s central London location provides unparalleled opportunities for academic collaboration, industrial partnerships, and societal impact. The university is home to a vibrant community of over 50,000 students and staff from more than 150 countries, and it is a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group and the UK’s top-rated institution for research power in the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021).

The Faculty of Engineering Sciences (FES) at UCL is internationally recognised for its cutting-edge work across diverse fields including electronic and electrical engineering, artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and systems design. With strong ties to industry and a collaborative ethos that bridges science, technology, and society, the Faculty provides an outstanding environment for doctoral training, innovation, and cross-disciplinary research. PhD students benefit from access to world-class facilities, an inclusive academic culture, and a vibrant postgraduate research community.

Backed by FES, the Dynamic Systems Lab (DSL) at UCL is a cross-departmental platform to accelerate innovation, partnership, and commercialisation across FES. The lab is catalysed by major strategic partnerships, including Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), Transport for London (TfL), Materials Processing Institute (MPI), and institutional support from the UCL Infrastructure Systems Institute (ISI), Robotics Institute (RI), and Advanced Propulsion Lab (APL). It spans Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), and Computer Science (CS).

Vacancy Information

Note: the studentship covers EU/international fees.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the design and control of electronic systems by enabling real-time adaptation to complex, high-dimensional environments. In the context of electric vehicles and power electronics, electromagnetic interference (EMI) poses a growing challenge due to increasingly compact, high-frequency systems. Traditional EMI mitigation strategies—such as passive filters or fixed-parameter designs—often lack the responsiveness required to cope with time-varying interference sources. This project explores the use of AI-based methods, particularly reinforcement learning and neural-network-driven control, to develop adaptive active EMI filters (AEFs) that can sense, classify, and suppress EMI in real time across dynamic conditions. The candidate will design, simulate, and experimentally validate intelligent filtering systems that respond autonomously to EMI fluctuations. Working closely with Jaguar Land Rover, the student will have access to real-world electric drivetrain testbeds and system-level EMC data. The project will also investigate the trade-offs between filter performance, system complexity, and real-time feasibility. The outcomes of this research are expected to improve the reliability and sustainability of future electric vehicles, while advancing the integration of AI into safety-critical electronic systems. As part of the PhD, the candidate will engage with industrial engineers, participate in EMI testing campaigns, and contribute to the development of the next generation of intelligent powertrain platforms.

The supervisory team for this position consists of Dr Yukun Hu, who leads the cross-departmental Dynamic Systems Lab based at the UCL Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, and Dr Kelin Jia, EMC Technical Specialist at E-Powertrain Jaguar Land Rover. The candidate will be based at University College London with strong industrial engagement throughout the project.

Person specification

We are seeking an exceptional candidate with an interdisciplinary background in electrical/electronic engineering, as well as AI/machine learning. The ideal applicant will be passionate about advancing sustainable mobility and intelligent power systems through innovative research at the intersection of hardware and AI-driven control.

Essential Criteria:

• A first-class or high 2:1 honours degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Strong foundation in one or more of the following:
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) or interference (EMI)
• Power electronics or analogue/digital circuit design
• Machine learning, reinforcement learning, or AI control
• Proficient in at least one technical computing language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, Simulink, or C++).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Criteria:

• Master’s degree (or equivalent industrial experience) in a relevant field.
• Experience with EMI testing, active filter design, or real-time embedded control.
• Familiarity with model-based design, signal processing, or control systems engineering.
• Experience in working with automotive systems or industrial electronics.
• Interest in applied research and working with industry partners.

We welcome applications from candidates with a broad interest in sustainable technologies and AI-enabled electronic systems, and a strong motivation to contribute to impactful industrial research.

Eligibility

Applicants should apply through (https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/research-degrees/civil-environmental-and-geomatic-engineering-mphil-phd) and include a letter of motivation, CV and research proposal of no more than 1,000 words (excluding bibliography). In the proposal, please describe the research questions and objectives, proposed methods and data, and potential choice of case studies.

If you have any questions regarding the position, please contact the designated contacts.

Contact name
Dr Yukun Hu and Dr Kelin Jia

Contact details
yunken.hu@ucl.ac.uk
kjia@jaguarlandrover.com

Closing date
Recruitment to fill the post will continue until the post is filled.

Interview date
Review of applications will start from September 1, 2025.

Studentship start date
To be confirmed.