Project Vacancies

The CDT in Applied Photonics welcomes applications from all suitably-qualified candidates. We particularly encourage applications from people who are currently under-represented in our CDT.

We are now open for applications to join the programme in September 2025. Please check this page regularly for new projects.

Please note we can only accept a very small number of international students (projects open to international student will include the 🌐 symbol).

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Scattering-Mediated Integrated Sensing and Communication at Optical Frequencies 🌐

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: MBDA UK
University: University of Edinburgh
Supervisor: Professor Wasiu O. Popoola
Project DescriptionThis project is to investigate novel techniques for sensing and achieving efficient wireless communication. The study will explore the optical frequencies, particularly the ultra-violet spectrum, for simultaneous sensing and wireless communications. A specific objective is to explore the otherwise deleterious effect of photon scattering and random propagation for enhanced...
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Slotted photonic crystal waveguides as a platform for surface enhanced Raman detection of hydrogen🌐

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: AWE
University: University of St Andrews
Supervisor: Professor Andrea Di Falco
Project DescriptionThe detection of hydrogen gas is important in many industries (petrochemical, civil nuclear, transport etc) due to its highly flammable nature. This need is likely to grow in the near future as hydrogen is used as the fuel of choice in many applications to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Typically,...
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Ophthalmic imaging with time and spectral resolution

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: Occuity Ltd
University: University of Strathclyde
Supervisor: Dr David Li
Project Description The project aims to develop a data processing analysis pipeline for retinal imaging ophthalmoscopes with spectral and time-resolved measurement capabilities, to detect signatures of severe diseases from ophthalmic data. This unique ophthalmic system is built around a single-photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) line sensor array with single-photon time-resolved detection...
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Next generation long range laser rangefinders based on single photon detectors and new laser technologies

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: Thales
University: Heriot-Watt University
Supervisor: Professor Gerald Buller and Dr Aongus McCarthy
Project Description Laser Rangefinders are a key element of modern sensor systems and can range up to 20km with an accuracy of less than 1m. Thales UK produced the first in-service laser rangefinder in 1965, just a few years after the invention of the laser, and have been designing and...
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Laboratory-based physical emulation of long path atmospheric turbulence for imaging sensors

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: Thales
University: University of Glasgow
Supervisor: Professor Martin Lavery
Project Description Advanced imaging systems, operating in the visible and thermal infrared bands, are critical for a wide range of defence and security applications. Thales Glasgow is a leader in the development of these types of imaging technologies, with many applications across land and maritime platforms. These imagers are used...
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Advance diversity techniques for underwater optical communication and sensing

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: Fraunhofer
University: University of Strathclyde
Supervisor: Dr Sujan Rajbhandari
Project Description The emergence of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), combined with the expansion of underwater infrastructure has led to a huge opportunity for underwater optical communication and sensing. Surveying and monitoring now create huge quantities of data and being able to wirelessly transfer them to...
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Nanoscopic retinal functional imaging of neural activity for early disease detection

  • PhD
  • EngD
Company: Optos
University: University of Dundee
Supervisor: Dr Tom Vettenburg
Project Description Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, characterized by the progressive degeneration of retinal neurons. Early detection is crucial for effective management and treatment, as it can significantly slow the progression of vision loss. The proposed research aims to extend the capabilities of opto-retinography (ORG) beyond the...
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