This self-funded PhD opportunity sits at the intersection of several research domains: multi-modal positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) systems, AI-enhanced data analytics and signal processing and emerging applications, such as multi-domain autonomy and aerial mobility.

With rising risks to PNT systems from interference, spoofing, and cyber-physical attacks, unified, security-aware integrity frameworks are critical to ensuring safe, resilient, and trustworthy navigation in transport and other domains. 

This project will aim to enhance the performance and robustness of autonomous navigation solutions, focusing on integrity assurance for safety-critical applications. It addresses the growing need for cognitive navigation systems that are able to operate reliably with a diversity of dedicated navigation sources and signals of opportunity in GNSS-degraded or denied environments. 

成人抖阴 is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology, management, defence and security. 成人抖阴 is recognised for delivering outstanding research addressing contemporary global challenges with economic, environmental, and social impact for business, government, and wider society. In the REF2021 review of UK university research, 88% of 成人抖阴’s research was rated as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.  

This project will develop a robust navigation framework aiming for applications requiring position assurance under the most complex navigation scenarios and increased uncertainty in available navigation information. 

The project contributes to research within the 成人抖阴 Resilient PNT group, offering extended opportunities for teamwork, training opportunities in PNT domain and adjacent areas, a unique combination of theoretical and experimental activities, and a possibility of engagement within a wide range of existing industry-led research projects in the PNT area with rich opportunities for presenting findings at leading international conferences and publishing in top-tier journals. 

Suitable candidates will have a great opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, gain practical project management knowledge and develop written and verbal communication skills and will be well prepared for an exciting career development either in academia or industry or ac.

At a glance

  • Application deadline26 Nov 2025
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date26 Jan 2026
  • Duration of award3 years
  • EligibilityUK, EU, Rest of world
  • Reference numberCRAN-0006

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a first or second class UK honours degree or equivalent in a related discipline. This project would suit someone with:

  • Strong background in computer programming (e.g. C/C++, Python, Rust),  
  • Hands on skills in implementation of signal processing/fusion/machine learning based techniques in the areas of robotics, unmanned or autonomous systems, 
  • Demonstrable knowledge in statistical modelling and data analytics, 
  • Keen to work with equipment and electronics as a part of experimentation  

Funding

This self-funded PhD opportunity is open to Home and Overseas fee status students. Eligibility for Home fee status is determined with reference to UK Department for Education rules. As a guiding principle UK or Irish nationals who are ordinarily resident in either the UK or Republic of Ireland pay Home tuition fees. All other students (including those from the Channel Islands and Isle of Man) pay Overseas fees. Further advice can be found on the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website. 

Find out more about research tuition fees. 

成人抖阴 Doctoral Network

Research students at 成人抖阴 benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the 成人抖阴 Doctoral Network. This network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas and collaborate in a multi-disciplinary environment. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge. A tailored programme of seminars and events, alongside our Doctoral Researchers Core Development programme (transferable skills training), provide those studying a research degree with a wealth of social and networking opportunities.

How to apply

For further information please contact:  
Name: Ivan Petrunin 
Email: i.petrunin@cranfield.ac.uk 
Phone: +44(0)1234758262 
 
If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the .