This PhD project at the University of Southampton, supervised by Dr Aristide Akem and Professor Steve Gunn, aims to redefine in-network computing for compute-native 6G networks. The research focuses on evolving network infrastructures from traditional packet-forwarding to distributed in-network computing platforms, enabling computation within the network data path and coordinating capabilities across edge and core networks.

Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in offloading compute to programmable data-plane devices such as switches and SmartNICs. These advances have demonstrated the feasibility of embedding data aggregation, filtering, machine learning inference, and lightweight processing into packet-processing pipelines. However, challenges remain in scalability, coordination across distributed domains, predictability under strict latency constraints, and trustworthiness in multi-tenant environments. Addressing these challenges is essential for making in-network computing a native architectural feature of 6G networks.

The project will systematically investigate the architectural and practical boundaries of in-network computing across mobile, edge, and core environments. It will characterise current constraints in data-path programmability, state management, synchronisation, and hardware capabilities, and design mechanisms to extend these capabilities while preserving performance guarantees, predictability, and verifiability. Central research questions include: identifying the fundamental scalability, programmability, and performance limits of current in-network computing platforms; synchronising and coordinating distributed in-network functions across edge and core domains; and developing abstractions and programming models for secure, trustworthy, and multi-tenant deployment of in-network computing functions.

The research combines programmable networking, machine learning, distributed systems, and hands-on experimentation with modern networking hardware. Students will join a dynamic team with collaborations across the UK and abroad, aiming to publish in leading venues such as INFOCOM, NSDI, CoNEXT, SIGCOMM, and IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking.

Entry requirements include a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent, demonstrable programming experience in Python or C/C++, and prior coursework or project experience in computer networking or mobile networks. Desirable qualifications include experience with programmable networking technologies (P4, DPDK, eBPF, XDP), networking hardware (SmartNICs, switches, FPGAs), and machine learning frameworks. English language qualification is required if applicable.

The University of Southampton offers a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students. Competition-based Presidential Bursaries and studentships typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants. Funding is awarded on a rolling basis, so early application is recommended.

To apply, select programme type (Research), 2026/27, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, search for PhD Computer Science (7089), and add the supervisor's name in section 2. Applications should include a CV, two academic references, degree transcripts and certificates, and English language qualification if applicable. For questions, contact the Faculty or project leader.

The School of Electronics & Computer Science is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and offering flexible working patterns, generous maternity policy, onsite childcare, and a range of benefits to support well-being and work-life balance. The University is also committed to sustainability, holding the Platinum EcoAward.