PhD Studentship: Natural Computing with MEMS Neuromorphic Reservoirs for In-Sensor Intelligence Loughborough University in United Kingdom

[3-year studentship with minimum tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 rate) plus university tuition fees. Funding is competitive and subject to university approval.]

This PhD studentship at Loughborough University offers an exciting opportunity to pioneer the next generation of intelligent sensors by merging sensing and computation within a single MEMS device. The project is situated at the intersection of mechanical engineering, computer science, and physics, focusing on the development of a neuromorphic platform that physically implements Reservoir Computing (RC). RC is a bio-inspired computational approach leveraging nonlinear dynamics for fast, efficient, and real-time information processing.

As a doctoral researcher, you will design and fabricate MEMS resonators that exploit modal coupling and nonlinear phenomena to boost computational power. The aim is to create a novel MEMS neuromorphic sensor capable of simultaneous sensing and computation, reducing latency and energy consumption—key requirements for the rapidly expanding Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing domains. Validation tasks include MNIST handwritten digit recognition and real-world gas sensing, demonstrating the practical impact of this technology.

The project is supervised by Dr. Amal Hajjaj and Professor Stephanos Theodossiades, both experts in MEMS and nonlinear dynamics. You will join a vibrant research environment within the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering department, benefiting from access to state-of-the-art facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Funding is available for three years, covering a minimum tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 rate) and university tuition fees. Funding is competitive and subject to university approval. Applicants must hold at least an upper-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent in Engineering or Physics, or have relevant industrial experience. English language requirements apply.

To apply, submit your application online, selecting Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering as the programme and quoting reference FP-SA26-AH. Required documents include a personal statement, CV, two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts, and a reference to the project. Submission of a research proposal is optional but may strengthen your application. The deadline for applications is 16 February 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview in February or early March 2026.

This studentship is ideal for candidates passionate about MEMS, neuromorphic computing, and the future of intelligent sensors. Successful completion will position you as a leader in natural computing and MEMS technology, with significant impact on IoT and edge AI.