I welcome enquiries from prospective PhD students, visiting researchers and postdoctoral fellowship applicants interested in wireless security and sensing. I am part of the Advanced Networks Research Group at the University of Liverpool, and welcome new research directions and interdisciplinary collaborations.
Funding and availability vary by route; please see the details below.
Research interests
Our work uses wireless signals, hardware characteristics and propagation channels to develop security and sensing applications. The wider group brings expertise in wireless communications, security and trust, artificial intelligence, 5G and beyond, and embedded systems.
Wireless security
Physical-layer security, including key generation from wireless channels, radio-frequency fingerprint identification and physical-layer authentication.
Wireless sensing
Wi-Fi sensing and mmWave radar sensing, alongside new interdisciplinary applications.
PhD study
PhD applications are welcome throughout the year, with flexible start dates once an unconditional offer has been received. Please discuss your research interests with me and check the University’s academic and English language requirements before applying. Admission and funding are separate processes.
Academic background
You should normally have, or expect to obtain, a BSc or MSc in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline. A Master’s degree is not compulsory: applicants with a suitable Bachelor’s degree may apply directly.
Experience in wireless communications and networks, software-defined radio, cyber security, machine learning and deep learning, signal processing and statistics, or mathematical optimisation would be advantageous. A strong mathematical background and/or good programming skills are highly desirable; Python, MATLAB and C/C++ are particularly useful.
English language
Good written and spoken English is needed for research, technical communication and academic publications. The English language guidance for prospective PhD and visiting PhD students is IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 5.5, or an equivalent recognised qualification. Confirm the requirements for your programme using the University’s official English language guidance.
Applying
Follow the University’s PhD application guidance and prepare the required documents, including a research proposal.
China Scholarship Council funding
The Liverpool–CSC scholarship combines University tuition-fee support with a CSC living allowance. This is a competitive funding route; check the official guidance for eligibility and the relevant application round.
- Apply for a Liverpool PhD. Indicate that you wish to apply for “Liverpool CSC scholarship” funding.
- Apply for University nomination. Once you have your student ID, submit the CSC application form, academic CV and a 500-word research proposal as directed by the University.
- Apply to CSC. Following notification of the University's nomination outcome, submit your CSC application by the relevant CSC deadline.
Official Liverpool CSC guidance
Refer to the official page for application forms and dates for your intended intake.
Visiting researchers
I welcome enquiries about academic visits and research collaborations in wireless communications, security and sensing. Please email me with your CV, proposed research topic and intended visit dates. Prospective visiting PhD students should also include academic transcripts.
CSC also offers funding routes for visiting PhD students and visiting scholars. These follow a different application process from full PhD scholarships; please contact me if you are interested. Visiting PhD students should also check the English language guidance above.
Postdoctoral fellowships
The School of Computer Science and Informatics supports personal fellowship applicants and hosts researchers with these awards. Please contact me if you would like to explore a fellowship application, and read the School’s fellowship guidance.
Newton International Fellowships
Interested in applying with us? Check the Royal Society’s Newton International Fellowships page for current eligibility, application dates and guidance, then get in touch to discuss your proposal.
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships
Visit the official MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships page for current calls, deadlines and eligibility. Please contact me to discuss a potential application with Liverpool as host.