PhD: UAV-based Acoustic Monitoring with Energy Harvesting Sensing Nodes (Marie Skłodowska-Curie DIAMOND Network) Loughborough University in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD position is part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie DIAMOND network, offering an exciting opportunity to join a European doctoral programme focused on decentralized critical infrastructure asset monitoring and condition assessment. The successful candidate will be registered at Loughborough University and primarily based at Microflown AVISA in the Netherlands, with regular visits to Loughborough for research activities and progression.

The project aims to revolutionize UAV-based acoustic monitoring by integrating energy harvesting sensing nodes, enabling self-powered, robust, and weatherproof platforms capable of long-duration operation in challenging environments. The research will develop a novel Twin Dagger (TD) approach to enhance UAV design for time-sensitive applications, such as rescue missions, and will address critical limitations in current UAV monitoring systems, particularly power constraints and payload capacity.

Key objectives include: (1) developing the Twin Dagger unit for advanced acoustic event monitoring on land and in the air; (2) creating low-power, self-sustaining onboard energy modules using energy harvesting technologies; (3) ensuring the technology is adaptable to a wide range of scenarios; and (4) demonstrating applications in monitoring, rescue, and surveillance.

The position offers a generous funding package, including a living allowance (€161,105.76), mobility allowance (€25,560), family allowance (where relevant, €17,820), and full coverage of PhD tuition fees. Funding is administered by Microflown AVISA. The successful candidate will join a cohort of 16 PhD students across Europe, benefiting from high-level training and collaboration within the DIAMOND network.

Applicants must hold at least an upper-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent in Engineering or Physics, or have relevant industrial experience. Eligibility requirements include not already holding a PhD, not having resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the past three years, and meeting Loughborough University's English language proficiency standards. Applications should include a personal statement, CV, two referees, certified degree certificates and transcripts, and reference to project ‘SF-ST-2026’. Submission of a research proposal is optional but may strengthen the application.

The closing date for applications is 15 February 2026, with the position commencing on 1 July 2026. For further details, visit the project page or contact the supervisors: Professor Stephanos Theodossiades ([email protected]) and Dr. Amal Hajjaj. For administrative queries, email [email protected].

Apply online via Loughborough University's portal, selecting the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering programme and quoting reference ‘SF-ST-2026’. This is a full-time, three-year position with no bench fees required. Join a dynamic, international research environment and contribute to the next generation of UAV-based monitoring technologies.