PhD Opportunities in Acoustic Monitoring, Ultrasound, and Material Characterisation at University of Southampton

The University of Southampton's Institute of Sound and Vibration Research is offering four fully funded PhD projects in the areas of acoustic monitoring, ultrasound, and material characterisation. Projects include: (1) acoustic monitoring of soil bioturbation and soil health, (2) characterising complex materials using ultrasound, (3) ultrasonic detection and monitoring of challenging defects in composite pipes, and (4) distributed acoustic sensing for complex environments. These projects aim to develop innovative, physics-based monitoring and characterisation techniques with applications in environmental science, infrastructure, and advanced materials. Students will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary research community with access to excellent facilities and strong industrial links. The School of Engineering is committed to equality, diversity, and sustainability. Applicants should have a strong background in engineering, applied mathematics, applied physics, or computer science, and be comfortable with both experimental and computational work. Full scholarships are available for eligible UK, EU, and Horizon Europe students, with limited funding for other international applicants. The application deadline is 30 June 2026, but early applications are encouraged. To apply, use the university's online portal and include all required documents. For more information, contact Dr Michal Kalkowski at [email protected].