PhD Studentship: Security and Resilience for Satellite Communications

We are looking for a fully funded PhD candidate to conduct advanced research on novel cyber-physical security mechanisms for satellite communications and future generation networks.

Satellite Communications (SatComs) play a critical role in today’s global telecommunication systems. They provide support for a myriad of applications including global positioning and navigation systems, weather forecasting, telecommunications, military operations, radio broadcasting, aeronautical and maritime tracking and communication, among others. However, due to their complex nature, the harsh conditions observed in space, and sometimes a lack of robust security considerations during design and deployment, SatComs ecosystems often present a wide attack surface.

Although many research efforts have focused on the security of SatComs-based technologies, these systems still face a broad spectrum of cyber-physical threats including eavesdropping, tampering, jamming, spoofing, disruption, and rerouting of satellite traffic. Therefore, there is a need to better understand how we can protect existing satellite-based systems as well as future generation SatComs. In fact, 6G and the overarching goal of global connectivity will significantly rely on sophisticated SatComs to reach remote areas, provide low-latency communications, and enable advanced connectivity capabilities in combination with terrestrial networks.

The objective of this PhD project is to address security and resilience challenges faced by current and future SatComs-based technologies. As a special class of cyber-physical system, modern SatComs security and resilience can harness unprecedented flexibility in the distributed control of the antennas and radio-frequency (RF) systems. We propose a unique approach for strengthening the resilience of sense constellations and complex networks by merging physical and cyber levels. This is a unique opportunity to explore the synergies between the physical and cyber domains in the realm of space engineering and investigate how can we leverage these interactions to increase the security and resilience of SatComs and future generation networks.

Further details on this PhD project can be found at the following link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-hDKFc1CP2yN7b-P89jjR_Qno1FXiai8/view?usp=sharing 

Supervisors:

Dr Martin Barrere, Professor Gabriele Gradoni and Dr Mahtab Mirmohseni

Entry requirements

Open to any UK or international candidates. Starting in July 2025.

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme.

Candidates with a keen interest in one or more of the following subjects will probably feel more comfortable with this project:  cyber security, networking, cyber-physical systems, control engineering, antennas, radiofrequency (RF), microwave engineering, and/or space engineering. Programming skills and/or experience with network and security tools are highly welcome.

How to apply

Applications should be submitted via the Computer Science PhD programme page, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above.

In place of a research proposal, you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.

Funding

Fully and directly funded for this project only. Standard stipend (£19,237 p.a. 2024/25 rates); full home or O/S tuition fees (as applicable); a research, training and support grant of up to £3,000 over the project. Funding available for 3.5 years (42 months).

Application deadline: 23 April 2025

Enquiries: Contact Dr Martin Barrere

Ref: PGR-2425-006

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