Applications are invited for a 1-year fully-funded Master of Science by Research available immediately.

The Sensors Group within the Department of Informatics and Systems Engineering is currently involved in the build and supply of a Ground-Based Synthetic Aperture Radar (GB-SAR) to a Chinese customer based at an academic institute. The GB-SAR will be used in remote sensing applications. The portable imaging radar is based on Cranfield’s existing GB-SAR system, which is designed around a towable cherry-picker hoist.

The task involves writing GUI-based software for the new GB-SAR. This breaks down into two primary tasks:

1) Providing control-interface software between the control PC and the various RF and electro-mechanical devices. The RF sub-system is based around a vector network analyser. Precision movement of the system during the imaging process is controlled by electric stepper motors.

2) Writing data analysis and image-reconstruction software.

For both tasks, the student can draw upon the existing software used with the current GB-SAR. The student will work closely with Dr Morrison, and with the University Workshop carrying out the mechanical aspects of the build.

This is the chance to join a unique and interesting international project, with considerable scope for creativity. It is likely the work will involve travel to China at the end of the build for validation trials to the customer.

Entry Requirements

Candidates should hold a degree in a science subject, and be able to demonstrate proficiency in software programming. Knowledge of languages such as MATLAB, C++, Visual Basic, LabVIEW, FORTRAN, MINT, Vee would be useful.

Funding

The bursary is £13,000-£15,000.

How to apply

A CV and the names and addresses of two referees should be sent to Dr K. Morrison at k.morrison@cranfield.ac.uk. You can also contact Dr  Morrison by email for an informal discussion.

The closing date is September 30^th.