Securing IoT Systems over Wireless Networks using Emerging Blockchain Variants and Proof of Location

An exciting opportunity to apply for a funded full-time PhD studentship in the Faculty of Environment and Technology, UWE Bristol. The studentship will be funded by the Computer Science Research Centre, UWE Bristol.

The expected start date of this studentship is 1 January 2023

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2022

Ref: 2223-JAN-FET17

This PhD will investigate the use of emerging blockchain variants and proof of location for securing the Internet of Things (IoT) over wireless networks.

The candidate will work under a supervisory team with high expertise in IoT, wireless networks and protocols from, blockchain and information security, including Dr Djamel Djenouri, Dr Essam Ghadafi, Dr Christopher Carr. The candidate will investigate the utilisation of emerging variants of blockchains, such as redactable directed acyclic graph (DAG) based blockchain, as well as proof-of-location techniques for securing IoT and wireless devices. They will accordingly propose original solutions while mitigating the inherent performance effects caused by unreliable wireless communication channels, and limitations of IoT devices.

For an informal discussion about the studentship, please email Dr Djamel Djenouri.

The studentship is available from January 2023 for a period of three years, subject to satisfactory progress, and includes a tax-exempt stipend, which is currently £16,062 per annum.

A full-time tuition fees will also be fully covered for up to three years. Please notice that the funding does not cover the visa or fees related to any dependant.

Applicants must have at least a good honours degree, and preferably a master's degree, in Computer Science, Computer or Electrical Engineering, Applied Mathematics or a closely related discipline. Familiarity with security and/or IoT (e.g., through a final year project) is highly desirable.

International applicants are welcome to apply.

A recognised English language qualification is required.

Please submit your application online. When prompted use the reference number 2223-JAN-FET17.

Research statement

Please explain, in no more than 500 words, your motivation and how your skill-set and experience could contribute to the proposed topic of this PhD project.

Supporting documentation

You will need to upload your research proposal, all your degree certificates and transcripts and your proof of English language proficiency as attachments to your application, so please have these available when you complete the application form.

References

You will need to provide details of two referees as part of your application. At least one referee must be an academic referee from the institution that conferred your highest degree. Your referee will be asked for a reference at the time you submit your application, so please ensure that your nominated referees are willing and able to provide references within 14 days of your application being submitted.

The closing date for applications is 30 September 2022.

If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted within two weeks from the closing date for applications for the interview. If you have not heard from us by this time then we thank you for your application but on this occasion you have not been successful.