PhD Studentship in Energy Efficient Mobile Networking Systems

One fully funded, full-time PhD position to work with Prof. Mahesh Marina in the Networked Systems Research Group at the School of Informatics, University of Edinburgh.

The broad aim of this project is on a holistic investigation of energy efficiency in next-generation mobile networking systems. Reducing energy usage and CO2 emissions of data computing and networking are among the top priority goals for mobile network operators, encompassing numerous research challenges. In the past decade, on the road to 5G, there has been a transformation in the mobile networking infrastructure. For reduced (CapEx) costs, greater flexibility and faster evolution, mobile core/radio network functions today are largely realised in software over commodity computing hardware in private/public cloud data centres. However, this can come at the cost of performance and slower function processing, which manifests as higher energy consumption and increased operational costs (OpEx) for operators. So, a key focus of this project is on reducing energy consumption contributed by running mobile radio/core network functions in a telecom operator’s virtualised infrastructure (data centre) by leveraging hardware/software accelerators and through energy-aware workload placement. The project overall will involve cutting-edge research towards holistic optimisation of energy efficiency in mobile networks by tackling the above challenges with novel system designs and tailored AI/ML based methods. This studentship project is in collaboration with British Telecommunications (BT) and includes an internship at BT Research.

Candidate’s profile

• A First Class Bachelors degree and/or Masters degree in a relevant subject (computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related subject)
• Proficiency in English (both oral and written)
• Essential to have strong foundations in computer systems through degree courses or equivalent work experience, particularly in computer networks, operating systems, computer architecture and distributed systems
• Excellent programming, system building and measurement skills are required
• Be familiar with, and ideally worked with, cloud computing and virtualisation technologies
• Familiarity and hands-on experience with machine learning techniques desirable
• Desirable to have work experience (through internships or similar) in the computing industry 

Studentship and eligibility

This EPSRC-BT co-funded Industrial CASE doctoral studentship starting in the academic year 2025/26 covers:

• Full time PhD tuition fees for a student with a Home fee status (£4,786* per annum)
• A tax-free stipend of GBP £19,237* per year for 4 years
• Additional programme costs of £1000 per year

*Rates are for 24/25 as 25/26 rates not yet confirmed

This studentship is suitable only for applicants eligible for “home fee” status.

Application information

Applicants should apply via the University’s admissions portal (EUCLID) and apply for the following programme: ICSA PhD Programme with a start date of 01-09-2025.

Applicants should state “Energy Efficient Mobile Networking Systems” and the research supervisor (Prof. Mahesh Marina) in their application and Research Proposal document. 

Complete applications submitted by 28th February 2025 will receive full consideration; after that date applications will be considered until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is 1st September 2025. 

Applicants must submit:

• All degree transcripts and certificates (and certified translations if applicable)
• A full CV and cover letter describing your background, suitability for the PhD, and research interests and relevant experience
• A research proposal focusing on the topic of the studentship
• Any evidence of prior research experience (e.g., publications) as supporting documents
• Two references (note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure reference letters are received before the deadline)
• Evidence of English Language capability (where applicable)

Only complete applications (i.e., those that are not missing the above documentation) will progress forward to Academic Selectors for further consideration. 

Environment

The Networked Systems Research Group headed by Prof. Mahesh Marina is part of the School of Informatics of the University of Edinburgh, which provides a vibrant world-class research environment and hosts several research institutes that are relevant to the research that the PhD student will be conducting. 

The School of Informatics is one of the largest in Europe and currently the top Informatics institute in the UK for research power, with 40% of its research outputs considered world-leading (top grade), and almost 50% considered top grade for societal impact. The University of Edinburgh is constantly ranked among the world’s top universities and is a highly international environment with several centres of excellence and strong collaborative links with leading industry

Apply: Informatics: ICSA: Computer Architecture, Compilation and System Software, Networks and Communication