About the Project
Sixth-generation (6G) wireless networks are expected to underpin some of the most critical services in modern society, including emergency response, energy infrastructure, autonomous transport, and remote healthcare. For these applications, continuous and reliable connectivity is not a convenience it is a requirement. Yet today's networks depend almost entirely on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for the precise timing and synchronisation that makes uninterrupted coverage possible.
GNSS signals are weak and unencrypted, and their vulnerability to jamming and spoofing is well documented and increasingly exploited across Europe. When GNSS fails, network synchronisation degrades, handovers break down, and coverage gaps appear exactly when they are most critical.
This PhD will investigate whether quantum sensing technologies can provide an alternative foundation for timing, synchronisation, and interference detection in 6G networks, making coverage continuity genuinely independent of satellite infrastructure. Quantum sensors operate at the fundamental limits of physical measurement and offer levels of timing precision and detection sensitivity that classical receivers cannot approach. Their potential role in wireless network architectures has not yet been explored, and this project will open that ground.
The work will combine theoretical analysis, algorithm development, and experimental validation. The student will study how quantum-enhanced timing mechanisms can be integrated into distributed 6G architectures, how quantum-noise-limited detection can identify jamming and spoofing in real time, and how a network can maintain coverage continuity by switching seamlessly to satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle backup layers when ground infrastructure is compromised. Analytical performance bounds will be derived and tested through large-scale simulation on the University's high-performance computing facilities. Experimental work will use the Department's software-defined radio platforms, including the USRP X410, and its anechoic chamber and RF laboratory to generate and characterise interference scenarios in a controlled environment.
Expected outcomes include the first validated framework for quantum-assisted, GNSS-independent timing and coverage continuity in 6G networks, novel detection algorithms for interference and anomaly identification, and open experimental datasets to support future benchmarking. The work has direct relevance to public safety communications, energy grid management, autonomous transport, and national security, and may create opportunities for technology transfer in these areas.
This project would suit a student with a background in wireless communications, signal processing, or electrical engineering who is interested in working at the frontier of quantum technologies and next-generation networks. An interest in experimental research and programming would be an advantage.
This project is expected to start in September 2027.
Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply.
How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships. If you don't already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here.
When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications. Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status.
We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder.
Eligibility: The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Communications, Signal Processing, Physics, Mathematics a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master's degree at merit in Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Communications, Signal Processing, Physics, Mathematics or a discipline directly relevant to the PhD (or international equivalent). A strong quantitative background and good programming skills are required. Previous research experience in digital signal processing, machine learning, communications systems, or experimental hardware is desirable. Prior experience in underwater acoustics is not required, but applicants should have an interest in security, signal processing and experimental research.
This project will remain open until filled.
If your application is submitted by 1st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18th December 2026.
If your application is submitted by 15th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30th March 2027.
Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project.
Funding Notes
Funding for this project covers tuition fees, UKRI minimum annual stipend (currently £21,805/annum) and up to a £2.5k/annum research training support grant for the full duration of the 3.5-year programme.