PhD Research Studentship
School of Engineering and Built Environment
Reference Number: SEBE_2015_6
Improving Indoor radio Signal Propagation in Modern
Domestic and Non-domestic Buildings (with advanced thermal insulation) for
Environmental Sensing and External Communication
Studentship Project Title:
Applications are invited for a full-time PhD research studentship at Glasgow Caledonian University within
the school of Engineering and Built Environment. The studentship is for a period of three years - subject
to satisfactory progress - and provides payment of tuition fees at the UK/EU rate plus an annual stipend
of £14,800 [please note that students from outside the EU are required to pay the difference between the
International and EU fees, currently this would amount to £7,100 per annum which, if required, can be
deducted from the student annual stipend]. The successful candidate will carry out up to 6 hours of
academic-related work per week as part of their research training.
Research Discipline
Department of Construction and Surveying (CS)
Research Theme
Sustainable Urban Environments, Network and Communication Research Groups
Research Project Summary
Current/Contemporary buildings (Domestic and Non-domestic) have utilised very modern insulation
materials that many benefits, including “enhanced thermal protection” and “high tear strength”. What is
not very apparent in the small print is the effect this material will have on radio signals such as WiFi,
mobile phone, wireless environmental sensors or even digital radio and television reception. We are ever
more dependent on wireless communications for both building environmental sensing and for external
communications and therefore it is crucial to investigate an impact of this material on signal
transmission.
The main aim of this research would be to investigate and evaluate advanced insulation materials in
Modern Domestic and Non-Domestic Buildings in order to improve signal propagation for Environmental
Sensing and External Communication purpose.
The key objectives of the project would focus on: (1) critical analysis of the most common thermal
insulation materials for buildings in regards to indoor RF signal propagation; (2) development of
methods and techniques which includes advanced hardware equipment to improve indoor RF signal
proportion; and (3) testing the developed methods on real-world scenarios (Domestic and large Nondomestic buildings with Low Power Wireless Networks).
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a good honours degree (minimum 2.1) or ideally
Master in one of the following: Building Physics, Wireless Communication Systems, Building Services
Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electronics or related discipline, who will have good analytical
skills and a strong interest in some or all of the following areas: Sensor Interfacing, Wireless
Communication, RF signal propagation, Building Physics, Networking, and algorithm design.
The candidate must also have a positive attitude toward interdisciplinary research and team work.
Supervisory Team
Director of Studies: Dr Krystyna Curtis
Second supervisor: Dr Hadi Larijani
Third supervisor: Ms Maria Filippopoulou
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Staff Contact
Dr Krystyna Curtis
Programme Leader for MSc in Building Services Engineering
Glasgow Caledonian University
Krystyna.Curtis@gcu.ac.uk
Candidate Background
The candidate should possess a relevant 1st or 2.1 honours degree. Candidates whose first language is
not English are expected to hold a current IELTS qualification (or equivalent) with an overall score of 6.5
with no element below 6.0
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the University Research Application Form, available from
http://www.gcu.ac.uk/research/postgraduateresearchopportunities/ under “How to Apply”
Please send the form, stating the studentship project title and reference number, with a CV, copies of
academic qualifications, references, and any other required documentation to:
researchapplications@gcu.ac.uk
At GCU we are committed to promoting a flexible, accessible and inclusive working
environment. Anticipated flexible work patterns for PhD students can be discussed with the project
supervisory team at the interview stage.
The closing date for applications is 22nd May 2015
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