The SPEAR centre Research Programme: Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Integrated Photonics
Atlantic Technological University (ATU), Letterkenny Campus
In partnership with Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute, and Seagate Technology
Duration:
4 years (Full-time)
Expected Start Date:
February 2026
Location:
WiSAR Lab, ATU,
Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, Ireland
SPEAR Project Background and Description
The Semiconductor and Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre is a €8.5 million cross-border project which will provide ATU and UU access to an all-island network of research groups and industry partners with the strategic support of Tyndall, and with advisory support from Seagate Technology. The SPEAR Centre is a Photonics research, training and innovation response to challenges outlined in the EU Chips Act 2023 and to simultaneously address existing deficits in high-skill/high-value employment and research infrastructure in the border region.
The SPEAR Centre is designed to build research capacity in integrated photonics and semiconductor technologies, while developing Ireland's and Northern Ireland's deep-tech innovation ecosystem. It aims to train the next generation of scientists and engineers to support growth in sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, and sensor networks.
Key to this project will be doctoral training initiative consisting of 15 PhD students delivered in collaboration with Ulster University, Tyndall National Institute, and Seagate Technology, one of the global leaders in data storage and photonics innovation.
Four PhD students will be based at ATU Donegal and will join the collaborative Doctoral College with PHD students based in Ulster University and Tyndall National Institute. This will involve co-supervised research, joint training activities, summer schools, industry engagement, and access to advanced infrastructure. These fully funded PhDs provide the opportunity to conduct high-impact applied research while building valuable professional skills across academia and industry.
PhD Project Description
Project Title: Photonic-Inspired Federated Learning for Communication-Efficient Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RANs)
This PhD project will develop a novel, communication-efficient Federated Learning (FL) framework for Next Generation Radio Access Networks (NG-RANs) by drawing inspiration from photonic and neuromorphic computing principles. Instead of frequent, data-heavy model updates, the proposed approach will use event-driven and sparse-update mechanisms so that learning updates are transmitted only when meaningful local changes occur. This will significantly reduce network congestion, lower latency, and enhance privacy.
The research will explore hierarchical learning across different network levels (user devices, radio units, distributed units, and central units), while addressing challenges such as network heterogeneity, limited edge resources, and security vulnerabilities. The outcome will be a scalable, privacy-preserving, and high-performance learning framework suitable for future 6G and intelligent edge networks, contributing to advances in telecommunications, IoT systems, and autonomous wireless infrastructure.
Candidate Requirements
Applications are invited from graduates who meet the following:
* Hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in:
o Electronic Engineering/Electrical Engineering
o Photonics / Optical Engineering
o Telecommunications Engineering
o Data Science / Artificial Intelligence
o Computer Engineering
o Applied Computing
o Computer Science
o Or a closely related discipline
* Equipped with advanced scientific and engineering research skills to tackle the challenges of developing innovative photonic-inspired computing and communication technologies for next-generation networks, combined with the entrepreneurial, leadership, and teamwork abilities to excel in interdisciplinary academic and industry environments.
* Demonstrated ability to:
o Write technical reports and prepare scientific publications
o Deliver presentations to diverse audiences
o Work both independently and collaboratively in a research team
o Manage time and research tasks effectively
* Highly self-motivated with a clear interest in interdisciplinary and applied research
* Fluency in English is essential. Candidates whose first language is not English must meet ATU's minimum English language requirements (e.g. IELTS 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 or equivalent)
Desirable Skills and Experience
* Strong programming proficiency in Python
* Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch and/or TensorFlow
* Experience using data science libraries (e.g. NumPy, Pandas, SciPy, scikit-learn)
This PhD position offers:
Full coverage of EU/UK academic fees
Tax-free stipend of €25,000 per annum for four years
Project-related research expenses and travel support
These positions are funded by PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should submit their application as a single PDF document to:
Subject line: SPEAR PhD Application – Your Name
The PDF should include:
1. A one-page cover letter indicating your preferred research theme and your motivation
2. A CV (maximum 2 pages)
3. Academic transcripts
4. Contact details for two academic referees
Application Deadline:
9th January 2026. Early application is strongly recommended.
Informal Enquiries: Dr Shagufta Henna –
ATU is committed to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all research activities.