Meet ApplyKite Twin, the application assistant that learns with you
Meet your Twin, it learns with you
Your Twin learns with you
Launch week codes:30% off annual Pro20% off monthly Pro
Ends in00h00m00s
Ends in00h00m00s
University of Southampton
Top university
1 week ago
PhD in Gravity-Map Matching for Navigation in GNSS-Denied Environments University of Southampton in United Kingdom
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Geology
Funding
The project is competition funded. It is associated with the EPSRC/MOD Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security; the advert does not state a stipend amount or detailed tuition-fee coverage.
Deadline
Dec 18, 2026
Country
United Kingdom
University
University of Southampton
Apply for this position
Free with an ApplyKite account: the application link, the deadline in your tracker and a check of your fit.
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
This PhD project investigates whether Earth’s gravity can support autonomous navigation when Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) are unavailable. The research will develop gravity-map matching methods for underwater and space vehicles, using local gravity variations as an independent reference for estimating position.
You will develop and characterise gravimeters based on diamagnetic levitation, building on demonstrations of Earth-tide gravimetry and the OpToSpace payload. A central challenge is extracting reliable gravity or gravity-gradient signals while a platform is moving, vibrating, changing orientation and experiencing hydrodynamic loading. The work may combine sensor stabilisation, inertial-sensor fusion, signal processing and gravity-field modelling.
The project will investigate navigation for autonomous underwater vehicles, including integration requirements and testing in representative maritime conditions. It connects with planned shipborne gravimetry and gradiometry trials involving the Royal Navy experimental vessel XV Patrick Blackett. You will also assess applications to space navigation through orbital gravity models and navigation simulations.
Expected research outputs include a characterisation of sensor performance on moving platforms, a gravity-aided navigation and map-matching pipeline, and an assessment of the approach in GNSS-denied environments. The interdisciplinary research spans experimental physics, autonomous systems, geophysics and navigation, with links to defence, subsea infrastructure and surveying. The project is based within the University of Southampton’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences and benefits from the interdisciplinary environment and defence-sector connections of the EPSRC/MOD Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security.
Funding details
The project is competition funded. It is associated with the EPSRC/MOD Centre for Doctoral Training in Complex Integrated Systems for Defence and Security; the advert does not state a stipend amount or detailed tuition-fee coverage.
What's required
Applicants should hold a 2:1 honours degree. The project involves experimental physics, sensor development, gravity modelling, navigation algorithms, autonomous systems and geophysics; the advert does not specify additional mandatory qualifications.
How to apply
Review the project and full entry requirements on the University of Southampton project page, then submit a PhD application through the university's postgraduate research application process before 18 December 2026.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.