Stephanos Theodossiades

This PhD opportunity at Loughborough University, within the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, focuses on pioneering research in MEMS-based neuromorphic platforms for in-sensor intelligence. The project aims to revolutionize the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing by integrating sensing and computation into a single MEMS device, overcoming traditional bottlenecks in speed and energy efficiency. By physically implementing Reservoir Computing (RC)—a bio-inspired approach leveraging nonlinear dynamics—the research will enable fast, efficient, real-time data processing directly at the sensor level. As a doctoral researcher, you will design and develop a physical RC system that exploits the rich nonlinear dynamics of MEMS resonators, including phenomena such as modal coupling, to enhance computational power. The project’s goal is to create a novel MEMS neuromorphic sensor that combines sensing and computing, significantly reducing latency and energy consumption. Validation tasks include MNIST handwritten digit recognition and real-world gas sensing, demonstrating simultaneous sensing and computation in practical scenarios. This research will establish a new paradigm for neuromorphic sensors, paving the way for next-generation, low-power solutions for IoT and edge AI. You will gain expertise in MEMS technology, natural computing, and advanced sensor integration, positioning yourself as a future leader in these fields. The project is supervised by Dr Amal Hajjaja and Prof Stephanos Theodossiades, both experts in MEMS and dynamics, with academic profiles available for further information. The studentship is funded for three years, offering a minimum tax-free stipend of £20,780 per annum (2025/26 rate) plus university tuition fees. Funding is competitive and subject to final university approval. No bench fees are required. Both UK and international applicants are eligible to apply. Entry requirements include a minimum of an upper-class honours degree (2:1) or overseas equivalent in Engineering or Physics, or relevant industrial experience. Applicants must also meet the university’s English language requirements. To apply, submit your application online under the programme name Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, quoting reference FP-SA26-AH. Required documents include a personal statement, up-to-date CV, details of two referees (one from your highest degree qualification), certified certificates and transcripts for all completed degree programmes, and a reference to the project. Submission of a research proposal is optional but may strengthen your application. The closing date for applications is 16th February 2026, with interviews expected in February/early March 2026. The project is available full-time (3 years) or part-time (6 years), starting July 2026. For further details, visit the project page or contact the Wolfson School at [email protected]. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in MEMS, neuromorphic computing, and sensor technology at a leading UK institution.

Loughborough University’s Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering is recruiting a Doctoral Researcher (PhD student) as part of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network DIAMOND (Decentralized critical Infrastructure Asset Monitoring and coNDition assessment). The DIAMOND network brings together leading European institutions to train 16 doctoral candidates in infrastructure monitoring, decentralized computing, sensor-level intelligence, advanced diagnostics, and digital twins. The available PhD project (DC1) focuses on designing novel dual-mode MEMS sensors for next-generation self-powered sensing in propulsion systems, particularly targeting hard-to-access locations such as powertrains. The research aims to address the gap in versatile MEMS sensors capable of tracking transient torque and motion using mechanical oscillations in rotary systems. The successful candidate will work on modeling and designing MEMS sensors, fabricating devices for various powertrain configurations, developing supporting electronics, and validating the system in laboratory settings. The project also involves packaging the sensor for use with energy harvesters for autonomous operation. The position is fully funded for 36 months under the MSCA program, offering a competitive salary (£44,296 per annum), mobility and family allowances, and full tuition coverage. The candidate will benefit from network-wide secondments, including placements at ETH Zürich and AVL, and will collaborate with leading experts in academia and industry. The research is supervised by Dr. Amal Hajjaj and Prof. Stephanos Theodossiades at Loughborough University, with additional mentorship from Prof. Eleni Chatzi (ETH Zürich) and Mehdi Mehrgou (AVL). Eligibility requirements include not holding a PhD at the time of appointment and not having resided or carried out the main activity in the UK for more than 12 months in the last 3 years. Applicants should have a strong background in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering, or physics, and must demonstrate proficiency in English. Preferred skills include electro-mechanical and computing skills, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary, collaborative, and inclusive environment. Applications are open until 4 February 2026. For more information and to apply, visit the Loughborough University vacancies portal. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr. Amal Hajjaj or Prof. Stephanos Theodossiades via email. This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about sensor technology, infrastructure monitoring, and AI-driven engineering solutions.

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.

[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.

This PhD position at Loughborough University offers a unique opportunity to join the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering as a Research Associate in Dual Mode MEMS Sensing for Propulsion Applications. Funded by the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Learning Network for Decentralized critical Infrastructure Asset Monitoring and coNDition assessment (DIAMOND), the role is part of a high-level European Doctoral programme training 16 PhD students across several countries. The successful candidate will work on the modelling, design, fabrication, and testing of a novel MEMS sensor for dynamic torque and motion measurement in automotive powertrains. The research will involve nonlinear dynamics, adaptation to electric and hybrid powertrain configurations, integration of electrical circuits for autonomous (self-powered) sensing, power management, energy storage, data collection/storage, and wireless transmission. The developed MEMS system will be validated in laboratory settings using a powertrain rig and packaged for use with rotational vibration energy harvesters or alternative power sources. Applicants must not already hold a PhD and must not have resided in the UK for more than 12 months in the three years prior to appointment. Proficiency in English is required, and candidates should have a strong background in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering, or physics. Desirable skills include electro-mechanical expertise, broader computing skills, and a preference for interdisciplinary, collaborative environments. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are expected. The position is fully funded for three years, offering a competitive salary (£44,296 per annum), living allowance, mobility allowance, and family allowance (if applicable). Tuition fees are waived for the duration of the PhD. The role is subject to the commencement of the project and agreement signed. Benefits at Loughborough University include generous holiday allowance, access to world-class facilities, financial wellbeing support, flexible and hybrid working options, health and wellbeing offers, and sustainable commuting schemes. Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Amal Hajjaj (Senior Lecturer in Electromechanical Systems and Dynamics) and Prof. Stephanos Theodossiades (Professor of Dynamics). Applications must be submitted via the university's online recruitment portal by 28 April 2026. For further details, refer to the Job Description and Person Specification, and ensure you meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Early Stage Researcher eligibility criteria. This position is ideal for motivated scientists passionate about micro-sensors, propulsion systems, and advancing critical infrastructure asset monitoring. It offers the chance to collaborate with leading experts from research and industry and contribute to the future of self-powered sensing technologies.

PhD opportunity at Loughborough University in autonomous wireless sensing for long-term air duct monitoring in nuclear decommissioning environments . This project sits in Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering and is co-funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority Bursary scheme and Loughborough University , in collaboration with the UK National Nuclear Laboratory . The research aims to develop a novel condition-monitoring solution for air ducts in nuclear decommissioning sites by designing, optimising, and testing an autonomous wireless multi-parameter sensing node. Research themes include autonomous wireless sensing , condition monitoring , airflow energy harvesting , multiparameter sensing , wireless communication , engineering dynamics , and vibrations . The system is intended to harvest energy from airflow and power sensors such as corrosion and temperature sensors, enabling long-term monitoring with minimal human intervention. Eligibility: applicants should have at least a 2:1 honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Engineering or Physics , or equivalent relevant industrial experience. Funding: the studentship is partially supported and provides funding for 3.5 years , a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum , and tuition fees at the UK rate . International fees are not applicable. Deadline: application deadline is 30 June 2026 . The post notes that the deadline is tight, so early application is advised. How to apply: use the Loughborough University online application page linked in the project listing. Review the project details and submit the required application materials before the deadline.