PhD Studentship: Game-theoretic Approaches in Electronic Warfare

Supervisory Team: Joerg Fliege

PhD Supervisor: Joerg Fliege

Project description:

This project will consider the development of mathematical models for electronic warfare, specifically electronic attack and electronic surveillance in the radio frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum, with the scope of interest covering communications, active sensing (such as radar), and passive sensing. The aim of the project is to develop and study game theoretic models for finding optimal strategies for sensing and jamming in the presence of devices to be surveyed or jammed, while considering the multi-objective nature of the problem as well as the ability of devices being surveyed/jammed to change their behaviour.

We are thus interested in finding the best sensing/jamming strategies, given a limited set of transceiver nodes (for sensing and jamming) all with finite range and bandwidth. For example, if the sensors employ different frequencies, greater probability of detection is obtained. If the sensors are on the same frequency, detection probability is lower, but geolocation is easier. What strategy should be used in terms of transceiver position, frequency band occupancy, and scan/hopping patterns to ensure different sensing and jamming goals are met? Jamming may degrade sensing performance, and this must also be taken to account in the construction of any optimisation cost function. It is likewise important to study how strategies adapt over time with further sensing information available.

Funding for this project is offered by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence & Security (CISDnS), which will recruit motivated and inquisitive candidates across the themes of Digital, Physical and Biological systems to provide a diverse and interconnected cohort training environment. As well as carrying out research training in a world-leading research group, membership of CISDnS will provide the opportunity for you to be exposed and trained to handle the interdisciplinary challenges faced in the real-world via a Systems Thinking approach. You will learn about the wider challenges of research and innovation within the Defence & Security sector from both your peers and the numerous industry partners supporting the Centre.

This PhD studentship is open only to UK applicants. This project is suitable for applicants with a strong mathematical background. We welcome applicants onto the CDT from underrepresented groups.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent) in a discipline with strong quantitative background (e.g., mathematics, computer science, electronical engineering, physics, statistics, economics).

Closing date: 31^st July 2024. 

Funding: Full-time studentships will cover UK course fees and an enhanced tax-free stipend of approx. £23,500 per year for 4 years along with a substantial budget for research, travel, and centre activities. A number of studentships are available and will be awarded on a rolling basis, so you are encouraged to apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Physical Sciences and Engineering, next page select “Integrated PhD in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security (2024-25)”

In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisorJoerg Fliege

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

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