PhD Studentship: Dr Jalal Bagherli PhD Studentships in Adaptive Embedded Hardware Systems for Net Zero

The CO₂ emissions from manufacture (the so-called embodied carbon) of end-user Information and Communications Technology (ICT) devices makes up the majority of their carbon footprint over the typical current useful life of such devices. To achieve sustainable ICT, in addition to reducing run time energy consumption, it is therefore essential to extend the active life, ideally to several decades. The PhD project aim to develop a novel adaptive embedded hardware system,  equipped with a low-level hardware monitoring system together with a multi-level self-healing and diagnostics capabilities for adaptation of embedded software and hardware during run-time. The vision of this project is to demonstrate the possibility of extending the lifetime of IoT devices from several years to decades through a combination of novel hardware/software co-design approach and machine learning based self-healing techniques. This project will not only be providing the ability to reliably operate the embedded systems in complex practical environment with cost-effective manner, but also accurately assess the degradation of any given device, enabling the repurposing of devices with reduced capabilities for new tasks.

Entry Requirements:

The successful candidate will meet our English Language requirements and will have a BSc or BEng honours degree (UK 1st class or equivalent) in computer science, electronic engineering or a related subject. An MSc with Merit or Distinction is desirable (but not essential for students with a first-class undergraduate degree). While this studentship is open to all applicants, we encourage applications from female candidates and / or students from less privileged backgrounds from the developing countries in the Middle East and Africa.

The Embedded and Intelligent Systems (EIS) Laboratory:

The successful candidate will join the EIS Laboratory, gaining access to state-of-the-art SoC devices and development resources, and collaborate with leading experts. Research focuses on security, power, performance, reliability, and advanced embedded systems for various applications. Visit: https://www.essex.ac.uk/departments/computer-science-and-electronic-engineering/research/robotics-and-embedded-systems/embedded-and-intelligent-systems-laboratory

School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE):

CSEE is a top-ranked department with the Robotics and Embedded System (RES) group being a member of two major UKRI research centres. For more information, visit https://www.essex.ac.uk/departments/computer-science-and-electronic-engineering.

Funding & Scholarship

This project is supported by CSEE in the University of Essex in partnership with alumnus and philanthropist Dr Jalal Bagherli. The studentship will provide the PhD candidate with a costs of living stipend plus travel and training allowances via Proficio and full UK/International tuition fees waiver. The successful candidate will need to start the PhD at the Essex in Jan, 2025.

About Dr Jalal Bagherli

Dr Jalal Bagherli, a University of Essex graduate, brings a wealth of experience from the semiconductor industry. He served as the chief executive of Dialog Semiconductor for 16 years, specializing in mixed signal connectivity and power management products for mobile and IoT devices.

Application Process

To apply for this postgraduate research opportunity, please submit your application online. Select the full-time 'PhD in Computer Science Jan 25' program and clearly indicate the studentship title in the research topic section. Your application must include the research proposal (a maximum of 2 pages (Font 11, single-spaced) outlining your research focus, approach, and any relevant studies you wish to incorporate), code repository link (provide a link to a platform like GitHub that showcases your coding projects experience), CV and transcripts.

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