PhD Opportunity – Advanced Microwave Sensor Design for Detection Technologies

The School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Adelaide is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join an exciting industry-supported project with Codan, a global leader in communications and sensing technologies. This project will explore novel microwave sensor (uWS) designs that can be integrated with, or operate alongside, metal detectors to deliver cutting-edge detection capabilities.

Applications of this research include:

Detection of subsoil layers, utilities, landmines and IEDs, UAV-based minefield mapping and through-wall detection; advanced sensing for pipe and cable location, as well as geological mapping.

The PhD candidate will work on one or more of the following themes:

uWS Antenna Design: Developing innovative antenna systems compatible with metal detector coils, optimized for tasks such as minimum-metal landmine detection and deep object detection.

Low Power, Compact Electronics: Creating next-generation microwave electronics that balance size, power, and performance for handheld platforms.

Signal Processing for Embedded Systems: Designing and optimizing algorithms that enable robust, real-time detection in complex environments.

Scholarship:

A generous scholarship package of AUD $80k per year is available for the successful applicant, providing a stipend to support living costs and tuition fee coverage. Opportunities for paid industry placements may also be offered.

Eligibility requirements:

We welcome applications from candidates who can meet the requirements for PhD admission at the University of Adelaide, and who can demonstrate suitable experience in electrical engineering, physics, signal processing, or related fields. Experience with RF systems, antennas, or embedded electronics will be highly regarded.

This project is restricted to Australian citizens only.

Why Adelaide?

The University of Adelaide is consistently ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide. You will join a vibrant research community, work alongside industry leaders at Codan, and contribute to technologies with real-world humanitarian and defence applications. This is a rare opportunity that offers a potential pathway to employment with Codan after completion of the PhD.

About Codan

Codan Limited is a global group of electronics and engineering businesses that develop rugged and reliable hardware, software and embedded systems with a reputation for performance, quality and reliability.

We provide world class metal detecting, communications, safety, security, broadcast and productivity solutions to some of the harshest environments on earth. We achieve this by providing a diversified range of high value-added electronics products through the design, development, manufacture, and marketing of innovative technology solutions.

We have a truly global footprint with offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Dubai, Ireland, Mexico, Singapore, the UK and the USA. We sell our products in over 150 countries to customers such as global government, business and corporate, NGOs, aid and humanitarian organisations, security and military groups, public safety, emergency response, broadcast and consumer markets.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should prepare a CV, academic transcript, and a brief statement of research interests, and contact the principal supervisor, A/Prof Bian Ng (brian.ng@adelaide.edu.au), for further information.

Applications close on 31 October 2025. Please note that applications will be shortlisted on a rolling basis, and the scholarship advertisement may be withdrawn early if a suitable candidate is identified.