Postdoctoral Research Fellowship with Applied Space Technology Laboratory, ApSTL

The Applied Space Technology Laboratory (ApSTL) of the Centre for Signal and Image Processing at the University of Strathclyde is at the forefront of addressing global challenges by pushing the boundaries of interdisciplinary collaboration. With a proven track record of fostering innovation through partnerships, ApSTL is pioneering new technologies in space and related sectors: accelerating the democratisation of space and harnessing the vast data and services enabled. We're spearheading efforts to interconnect natural sciences, engineering, and technology to create highly connected, efficient, and sustainable systems. We'll use our track-record to support you to develop a compelling vision for your UK IC Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in novel solutions for unexpected loss of Positioning, Navigation and Timing capabilities.

Research topic description, including problem statement: Positioning, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services are vital for the UK economy, as well as for critical sectors including emergency services, transport, defence, space, and energy. However, in some sectors, the vulnerabilities of PNT to both natural and ground-based interference, including through malicious attacks, are less understood. Meanwhile, over the last 15 years, the threats posed by accidental and deliberate interference and cyber-attacks have steadily evolved and increased. Examples of intentional interference range from teenagers subverting computer games e.g., Pokémon GO, to criminals attempting to flout financial trading regulations, and to numerous vessels in the Black Sea reporting GPS interference.

Certain sectors are reliant on PNT to operate quickly and effectively, including for critical aspects such as communications. For this reason, the focus of this research is multifaceted. The ideal deliverable would be to develop a better understanding of the resilience of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) and how they would prepare for, respond to, and mitigate against the risks associated with PNT. The UK already has extensive processes in place to deal with such threats, so we would like this research to focus on novel S&T solutions. Surrounding questions to this topic centre around, what steps could be taken to minimise the effect of a loss of PNT and how to effectively and efficiently operate in a PNT-denied environment.

This research will be fundamental in supporting the development of a policy response as well as shaping considerations for future technology.

ApSTL has a long-standing interest in network system approached to complex systems, the example approach we are looking to develop is around algorithm development, and application, for the decentralisation of time as a network consensus problem. You will have an engineering or applied mathematics background, experience in network system, graph theory, or similar, and a strong software modelling ability. You will also be able to apply a systems-engineering approach and to explore and analyse deep technical aspects of the challenge area.

Get in-touch at forms.office.com/e/AHzghawG3E

Submissions close 28^th February 2025, but early applications are encouraged.

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