Study of ionospheric propagation disturbances

The Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Bath is inviting applications for the following fully funded PhD project. The preferred start date is Monday 30 September 2024, however, this is potentially flexible for the right candidate, with the latest possible start date being 01 April 2025.

This advert will close when a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is therefore encouraged.

Intended supervisory team

Dr Biagio Forte (University of Bath)

Dr Mario M. Bisi (RAL Space)

Project

Our society is becoming increasingly dependent on technological systems, such as satellite telecommunications and satellite navigation, that are at risk from adverse space weather conditions (i.e., the variability in the solar-terrestrial environment). This risk manifests through plasma instabilities in the ionosphere which originate electron density irregularities that induce propagation disturbances on radio signals such as those transmitted from GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems). Ionospheric propagation disturbances associated with adverse space weather conditions include perturbations on trans-ionospheric radio waves manifesting as fluctuations of the signal intensity and phase, known as scintillation.

The NERC-funded RISER project will exploit the use of the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) – the world’s largest low-frequency radio-telescope – for characterising space weather conditions.

One of the main aims of the RISER project is indeed to understand how LOFAR could be utilised to infer the impact of space weather on applications.

You will join a vibrant team of researchers at Bath and within the RISER project. We will utilise data from LOFAR radio telescopes as well as from other instruments of relevance (e.g., incoherent scatter radars, ground and space-borne GNSS receivers).

Here, we will use sophisticated LOFAR radio telescopes as well as observations from other relevant datasets (e.g., GNSS) to answer fundamental questions about ionospheric irregularities and ionospheric propagation disturbances. We will investigate how ionospheric irregularities contribute to space weather conditions and predictions, and how LOFAR could be utilised for the characterisation of space weather impact on applications.

There is considerable scope to take the project in new and exciting directions. There will be strong international collaboration with groups, for example, in USA, Canada, Europe, South America.

The Project Partners are: RAL Space (UK), the University of Leicester (UK), the Met Office (sub-contractor, UK), the University of California at San Diego (external collaborator, USA), the George Mason University (external collaborator, USA), the International LOFAR Telescope Foundation (ILT, UK-led).

Candidate Requirements

Applicants must have or expect to receive a First Class or good Upper Second Class Honours degree (or the equivalent) in physics, mathematics, radio astronomy or engineering. A master’s level qualification would also be advantageous. Although desirable, no prior knowledge of ionospheric physics and radio propagation is necessary: suitable training will be provided.

Proficiency in the use of programming languages such as MATLAB and Python is an advantage.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Dr Biagio Forte – [email protected]

Please make a formal application should via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering

When completing the form, in the ‘Funding your studies’ section, please select ‘Other’ from the first drop-down list and specify NERC Riser Studentship in the text box. In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, please state the project title and supervisor’s name in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these steps will delay the processing of your application.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.

Keywords: Radio wave scintillation, Ionospheric radio science, Radio astronomy, Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Low Frequency Array (LOFAR)