Dynamic Metasurfaces for Advanced Signal Processing

ScholarLink Inc.; Southampton; Remote; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bursaries and Scholarships

State-of-the-art microwave labs

Anechoic chamber access

Job summary

The University of Southampton invites applications for a three-year PhD studentship in Dynamic Metasurfaces for Advanced Signal Processing within the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences. You will design and build software-controlled smart surfaces to shape wireless signals, combining simulations, PCB design and lab testing to enable programmable radio environments.

Funding includes bursaries or scholarships, with access to state-of-the-art microwave labs and anechoic chamber for

Qualifications

• Very good undergraduate degree (UK 2:1 or international equivalent).
• Experience in RF/microwave design and lab measurements is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and build software-controlled smart surfaces to shape wireless signals.
• Perform electromagnetic simulations (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics) and theoretical modelling.
• Fabricate PCB prototypes with metasurface unit cells and integrate active components.
• Experimentally characterise designs using VNA and anechoic chamber measurements.

Skills

Electromagnetic theory

RF design

PCB design

Lab measurements

COMSOL Multiphysics

Education

UK 2:1 honours degree or international equivalent

Tools

Vector Network Analyzer

Anechoic chamber

Job description

# Dynamic Metasurfaces for Advanced Signal ProcessingPh.D·University of Southampton·Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences·United KingdomDeadline: Dec 31, 2026 Closes in 2 monthsPosition type: StudentshipLevel: Ph.DDuration: 3 yearsLanguage: EnglishMin. GPA: Min## About the PositionSupervisory Team: Dr Sajjad TaravatiDesign and build software-controlled smart surfaces to shape wireless signals for advanced applications like analogue computation and next-generation communications. This experimental PhD will pioneer active metasurfaces that dynamically steer, process, and amplify electromagnetic waves, blending theoretical modelling, PCB design, and lab testing to create the foundation for future programmable radio environments.This PhD project will research and build a new class of dynamic metasurfaces that use integrated electronic components to actively control electromagnetic waves, creating a foundation for smarter, more efficient technologies. This project aims to overcome the limitations of current passive systems by designing a dynamic metasurface architecture that integrates active transistor-based circuits directly with antenna elements. The core research problem is achieving full electronic software control over wavefronts to realise advaced signal processing, nonreciprocal amplification, dynamic 3D beamsteering, and intelligent wave routing. You will address this through a combination of electromagnetic simulation (e.g., COMSOL Multiphysics), theoretical modelling of wave-matter interactions in active systems, and practical microwave engineering. The work involves designing and fabricating printed circuit board (PCB) prototypes with custom metasurface unit cells, integrating electronic components to achieve amplification and phase-shifting, and experimentally characterising designs using a vector network analyser and anechoic chamber measurements to validate performance. This research matters because it will provide the foundational knowledge for future programmable wireless environments, significantly enhancing spectral efficiency and enabling novel applications. The project offers outstanding training in cutting-edge RF design, simulation, and experimental measurement techniques, with access to our state-of-the-art microwave labs and anechoic chamber.Entry RequirementsA very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).Closing date: 31 December 2026. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Sc