Help us bring the AI revolution to the next generation of optical sensors. We aim to transform the measurement of greenhouse gases to reduce emissions across sectors such as energy, waste, landfill and energy. You will study for a PhD alongside a multidisciplinary project team, collaborating to develop and commercialise novel, low-cost sensors based on tunable diode laser spectroscopy. Sponsored by EPSRC, this project will develop new signal processing methods, based on AI and machine learning, that can boost sensor performance. You will receive a (tax-free) stipend of up to £24,500 and UK tuition fees are fully paid. You will also gain bespoke training in optical sensors, coding and responsible use of AI, a programme of transferable skills training and experience of collaboration with industrial and academic partners.

A dramatic rise in methane emissions is - by far - the biggest cause of departure from the idealised pathway to limit global warming to 2°C. This has led to the Global Methane Pledge, which requires rapid emissions reduction by methane emitters: agriculture, landfill, oil and gas, coalmining and wastewater treatment. Our team is working on low-cost technologies to enable a step change in the deployment of these sensors, needed to better understand how to reduce emissions.

You will work on advanced signal processing strategies for low-cost sensors based on high-resolution laser spectroscopy. You will develop a deep scientific understanding of the function of these sensors and their measurement uncertainties. Using this, you will develop a new methodology to create useful training data through a series of replicable experiments. You will develop and evaluate AI and machine learning – enabled models to enable us to get better performance from those sensors and complete experimental trials (potentially including field trials) of your work. Your project will operate at the exciting interface between theory, computation (including coding) and hands-on optical experiments.

Cranfield is a postgraduate-only institution with a focus on real-world benefits to society. Funded by EPSRC (the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council), you will be based in the world-renowned Centre for Engineering Photonics and will also work with leading experts in AI from the Centre for Assured & Connected Autonomy. You will work alongside a team that is collaborating with academic and industrial partners on a major programme, Rethinking Methane Measurement, funded by ARIA (the UK’s Advanced Research and Invention Agency). 

If successful, your results will lead to low-cost sensors that can measure precise and accurate levels of methane and can be used by the wider team to quantify methane emissions. There is potential for solutions you develop to be adopted in newly commercialised sensors whose low cost leads to their widespread adoption in sectors that are currently hard to properly quantify. The techniques that you develop for methane measurements can also be applied to other gases of concern / interest in environmental monitoring, safety / security and healthcare.

Your project will involve a blend of state-of-the-art laser optics and advanced AI / machine learning, learning these specific skills through bespoke training programmes and “on the job” training, putting you in an enviable position for a career in the technologies of the future. You will have the opportunity (and funds) to attend a major international conference to present your work, and may be involved in trying out your ideas during field trails of new optical sensors.

Collaborating with wider academic and industrial partners will give you experience of interdisciplinary teamworking and expand your professional network. Our doctoral training programme maps onto the Vitae Researcher Development Framework to provide additional transferrable skills in research project and people management, responsible innovation, intellectual property, scientific communication and principles of Open Research. In addition, a PhD provides superb training in problem-solving. Our PhD graduates are highly sought-after for careers in industry, though many enjoy the experience so much that they decide to stay in academia!

Start date maybe able to be flexible by discussion with supervisors.

At a glance

  • Application deadline06 Apr 2027
  • Award type(s)PhD
  • Start date06 Jun 2027
  • Duration of award3 year (full-time)
  • EligibilityUK, Rest of world
  • Reference numberCRAN-0117

Supervisor

1st Supervisor: Professor Jane Hodgkinson

2nd Supervisor: Professor Weisi Guo and Professor Ralph Tatam

Entry requirements

If you’ve got a good degree (UK first or upper second class honours or equivalent) in physical science or engineering, and want to use your skills to help tackle climate change, this project is for you. We don’t expect you to have the right skill set yet – we provide training – but you’ll need to draw on the skills in maths, basic coding and practical work that were part of your degree. We’re also looking for a desire to learn and to try out new ideas. If you’re not sure about your suitability, get in touch (contact details below).

Funding

Sponsored by EPSRC and Cranfield University, this studentship will provide a bursary of up to £24,500 (tax free) plus fees* for three years.  

This studentship is open to both Home and Overseas fee status students, however we are only permitted to offer a limited number of studentships to students with Overseas fee status. 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.

Sharing data

UKRI would like to have a better understanding of the students its training provision attracts and supports. Diversity information on all applicants/recruits applying for UKRI funded studentships will be shared with UKRI. The data will be aggregated and will not be shared as individual data or used to report on individuals or specific universities. The data will be used to analyse general trends in student populations across UKRI's portfolio.

Diversity and Inclusion at Cranfield

At Cranfield, we value our diverse staff and student community and maintain a culture where everyone can work and study together harmoniously with dignity and respect. This is reflected in our University values of ambition, impact, respect and community. We welcome students and staff from all backgrounds from over 100 countries and support our staff and students to realise their full potential, from academic achievement to mental and physical wellbeing.

We are committed to progressing the diversity and inclusion agenda, for example; gender diversity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through our Athena SWAN Bronze award and action plan, we are members of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES) and Working Families, and sponsors of International Women in Engineering Day. We are also Disability Confident Level 1 Employers and members of the Business Disability Forum.

Our Student Wellbeing and Disability support team provide a range of support and coordinate reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, specific learning differences and mental and physical health conditions. Please contact studentsupport@cranfield.ac.uk for support queries, the information you provide will be confidential.

Cranfield Doctoral Network

Research students at Cranfield benefit from being part of a dynamic, focused and professional study environment and all become valued members of the Cranfield Doctoral Network. This Network brings together both research students and staff, providing a platform for our researchers to share ideas, identify opportunities for collaboration and create smaller communities of practice. It aims to encourage an effective and vibrant research culture, founded upon the diversity of activities and knowledge.

Doctoral Researchers’ Core Development (DRCD) Programme

An important part of the research journey is developing key skills that will benefit a research students research and professional development. As a research student at Cranfield, you will be expected to attend the DRCD programme which comprises of four 1 week units which cover the key stages of your research journey. Workshops are held face to face, providing the opportunity for you to network and collaborate with your peers during these valuable development sessions. For further details visit Cranfield's Doctoral Network.

How to apply

For further information please contact:   

Name: Professor Jane Hodgkinson
Email: j.hodgkinson@cranfield.ac.uk
Phone: 01234 857325 

If you are eligible to apply for this studentship, please complete the online application form.

This vacancy may be filled before the closing date so early application is strongly encouraged. Start date maybe able to be flexible by discussion with supervisors.

Note, your application will not be considered unless all relevant documents have been uploaded. For more information please visit  Applying for a research degree.