PhD in Sustainable/Reconfigurable IOT

BOF-92 PhD in Sustainable/Reconfigurable IOT

Contract: Full Time/Fixed Term

The Tyndall National Institute and the Computer Science Department in University College Cork are world leaders in the development of Smart Wireless Sensing systems for use in the body, on the body and around the body. Working closely with a global range of academic, business and clinical partners, our technology is under evaluation by several multinational corporations and is approaching market readiness in a number of areas

As part of the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre CONNECT (https://www.sfi.ie/sfi-research-centres/connect/), The Wireless Sensor Networks group at the Tyndall National Institute, in conjunction with the Computer Science department in University College Cork is currently advertising for the position of Postgraduate Student in Sustainable & Reconfigurable systems for the Internet of Things (PHD Studentship)

Motivation: The number of deployed Internet of Things (IoT) connected devices is increasing rapidly, having reached ca. 15 billion (Statista.com) to date. Deploying billions of battery-powered devices for specific applications is neither environmentally nor economically sustainable. The long-term viability of large-scale IoT deployments in diverse (and often demanding) environments requires these systems to have the capability to be reconfigured, at the node level as well as at the network level, to remain useful and secure over time while their use changes. Their resource constrained nature (in terms of energy and processing capability) can be a limiting factor in their re-purposing to maintain the quality of sensed data, resulting in significant maintenance and cost of ownership to ensure that nodes operate to specified requirements. To make IoT devices and their applications more sustainable, a range of technical challenges need to be solved, ranging from autonomous power mechanisms through energy harvesting, flexible, reconfigurable sensing, automatically updating of software functions, and updating connectivity solutions through technologies such as software defined radio and networks.

The successful applicant will work on the development of integrated hardware and software codesigned systems to address the research challenges associated with reconfigurable systems for the Internet of things.

The successful applicant will carry out their research project within this team which has expertise in Networking, microsystems technology, wireless sensors, electronics and low-power system hardware and software co-design.

Activities will include applied domain focused research in to reconfigurable IoT smart sensing research including literature reviews, hypothesis development and identification of novelty associated with the development of peer reviewed publications commensurate with a PHD thesis.

The candidate will be expected to write scientific publications associated with their work and travel to international conferences, workshops, industry meetings, proposal project meetings. This will help to strategically position Tyndall WSN as a world-leading industry-focused applied research group in the area of smart system development for sustainable IOT. All reasonable travel costs will be funded by the research project.

The postgraduate activities will focus on the development of a resource constrained, reconfigurable, edge computing oriented sensing and communication systems for deployment in sustainable IOT testbeds.

Key Responsibilities

To work under the direction of the postgraduate supervisory team in Tyndall and UCC Computer Science to assist in fulfilling the deliverables associated with the CONNECT Reconfigurable and Sustainable IOT program of work.
In conjunction with the supervisory team, to conduct relevant research activities, including planning, organizing, conducting, and communicating research studies within the overall scope of the research project and PhD requirements
To review the state of the art in relevant literature to identify the opportunities for Novel research in this area
To develop the specification, design and deployment of reconfigurable resource constrained wireless sensing systems.
To undertake tasks which may include recording results and preparing reports including conclusions and recommendations. Application of qualitative and quantitative research techniques in sustainable & reconfigurable IOT systems.
To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College in order to develop research skills and competencies.
To disseminate project outputs, through the interpretation of results and the preparation of manuscripts for peer reviewed publication.
Ensure all activities are compliant with the Tyndall Quality Management system and required Health & Safety standards.
Participate in Education and Public Engagement activities, as required.
Carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the PhD

Essential Criteria

A Masters in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering or equivalent Bachelors H2.1 minimum
Experience with edge computing sensor development, resource constrained networking, systems integration and test
Experience with appropriate lab-equipment, simulation tools and modelling software.
An ability to work independently to a schedule.
A demonstrated capability in the delivery of research projects at undergraduate level.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
High levels of initiative, self-management, achievement-orientation, and motivation are encouraged.

Desirable Criteria

Good analytical skills and computer skills.
Evidence of excellent organizational and communication skills.
Evidence of excellent time management skills.
Experience with IoT sensor systems is an asset.
Experience in IoT communications protocols

Interviews will be conducted as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence in Q2 2023.

This is a 4 year fully funded PhD position in conjunction with the Sfi Centre CONNECT.

An annual student stipend of €19,000 applies for the successful candidate of this position. Yearly University academic fees at the EU PhD rate will be paid by the Tyndall National Institute.

Informal enquiries can be made in confidence to Brendan O’Flynn at brendan.oflynn @tyndall.ie and, Dirk Pesch at dirk.pesch@ucc.ie.

CONNECT is the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications. Its mission is to research and develop innovative solutions for the communications challenges facing society today. The Internet of Things, 5G/6G networks and future communications services are the Centre’s main areas of focus.

Over 300 CONNECT researchers across 10 Higher Education Institutes are supported by €90 million of funding from the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centres Programme, the European Regional Development Fund and industry partners.

Sustainable IOT Research in CONNECT: Scalable integrated energy harvesting, storage, and power management, for sustainable IoT edge networks. Low-power IoT platforms based on reconfigurable, software-defined sensing, computation, and communications to support long-term network operation. New security and resiliency mechanisms.

Application Instructions

Step 1 - Click here to download the Application form and indicate the Job Reference BOF-92.

Step 2 - Return the completed Application form, together with your CV and motivation letter to careers@tyndall.ie.

Please ensure that your motivation letter, CV and application letter are submitted in pdf format.

Postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency as per UCC regulations (https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/comparison/english/postgraduate/). Certificates should be valid (usually less than 2 years old) and should be uploaded with their application. In special circumstances the panel may consider a prior degree in English (e.g. Master thesis written in English) as evidence of English language proficiency.

Please note that Garda vetting and/or an international police clearance check may form part of the selection process.

The University, at its discretion, may undertake to make an additional appointment(s) from this competition following the conclusion of the process.

At this time, Tyndall National Institute does not require the assistance of recruitment agencies.

Tyndall National Institute at University College, Cork is an Equal Opportunities Employer.