PhD Studentship: Machine Learning Approach to Radar Signal Sorting and Emitter Identification, UK

July 23, 2010

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PhD Scholarship,University of London and Thales,Detection and characterization of radar pulses

Job Description: The Computer Learning Research Centre (CLRC) at Royal Holloway, andthe Defence Mission Systems Division of Thales UK at Crawley, invite applications from suitably qualified students for a fully-funded EPSRC PhD CASE studentship. The PhD topic area is using a machine learning approach to Radar signal sorting and emitter identification. The CLRC is based in the Department of Computer Science, Royal Holloway, and was established in 1998 as a focus of machine learning research. It has become a world leading Centre in the theory and applications of pattern recognition (http://clrc.rhul.ac.uk). Thales UK was established in 2000 from its previous basis of Thomson (France) and Racal (UK), and its Defence Mission Systems Division is well known for developing its innovative and state-of-the-art technologies, particularly in radar and its interception.
Thales have developed world-leading products related to the topic area based on graph-theoretical and Bayesian techniques, and are looking for new approaches.
The proposed project will address a very important problem of detection and characterisation of radar pulses when the frequency bands are very congested. In particular, a set of newly developed machine learning techniques will be applied for “de-interleaving” problems, and identification of the radar pattern of pulses over wide bandwidths and long repeating patterns. One way to deal with these problems is to apply recently developed pattern recognition conformal predictors that may allow discrimination of different types of pulse repetition intervals.
Qualifications: It is expected that the student should have a first or good upper second class honours degree in mathematics/statistics, or a combination of qualifications and/or experience equivalent to that level. In
addition, a strong background in numerical computing is highly desirable. Good communications skills will be needed, to present the work to an industrial audience and to collaborate with current Thales project staff.
Additional training may be provided.
Funding: The scholarship will provide full tuition fees plus a maintenance allowance for 3.5 years, which is free of income tax. Thales intend to supplement the standard Doctoral stipend significantly, for the right candidate. In addition, there will be an allowance to support research studies covering, for example, travel and subsistence for meetings and conferences, books and computing facilities. Due to the restrictions imposed by the scholarship scheme, this opportunity is limited to UK students or EU students who have been resident in the UK for at least 3 (preferably 5) years immediately preceding commencement. EU students who do not meet the residence requirement are eligible for a
fees only award. The student will be expected to spend up to several months at Thales UK in Crawley, Sussex, and the company will pay any excess travel and subsistence costs.
Enquiries: For further information, please contact Prof. A.Gammerman
(A.Gammmerman @cs.rhul.ac.uk ) and Mr.P.Davies
(Paul.Davies@uk.thalesgroup.com)
How to apply: Applicants should apply for MPhil/PhD study in the Department of Computer Science, Royal Holloway, University of London, using the on-line application system
Any queries on this process may be addressed to Mrs Janet Hales, Postgraduate Administrator, Department of Computer Science (J.Hales@cs.rhul.ac.uk)