Start Date: Sep 2026

Course length (full time): 3.5 year

Eligibility: Open to Applications from Home and International students

Bursary p.a.: £21,805

Project description:

The School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics at Oxford Brookes University is seeking an independent and highly motivated candidate from a science or technology discipline to work in computing for autonomous vehicle technologies. An excellent candidate will be able to find innovative solutions to the profound AI challenges in autonomous driving, and autonomous racing in particular. Oxford Brookes university has a world leading Formula Student team and has developed a similarly successful team for autonomous racing Competitions.

Take responsibility for overseeing the Formula Student project, and identify opportunities for original research which could have a material impact upon real-world on-track performance. Possible aspects include sensor fusion, fully integrated autonomous vehicle simulation, simultaneous localisation and mapping, and integrations of path-planning, sensing, mapping, racing line calculation, (rapid) lap time simulation etc. Emphasis will be put on the integrative challenges of bringing these techniques live alongside each other. The PhD project will be supported by our world leading experts in artificial intelligence, vehicle dynamics, automotive / motorsport engineering, machine vision and robotics.

Entry requirements:

Applicants should have a first or upper second-class honours degree from a Higher Education Institution in Computing, Robotics, Computer Science, Engineering or acceptable equivalent qualification.

The essential selection criteria include:

• Experience of managing, processing, and analysing large amounts of technical data.
• Evidence of good software engineering skills.
• The potential to lead a team of students for the Formula student competitions.
• Capability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication and organisational skills.
• A real passion and commitment for research.

The successful candidate will:

• Collaborate with students and staff from across the School
• Carry out original research contributing to the School’s work on autonomous vehicles.
• Oversee Oxford Brookes Racing Autonomous project, organising regular updates with academic staff, and managing the budget for the team.
• Be responsible for coordinating and delivering a successful entry to the Formula Student Autonomous competition.
• Participate in research meetings and undertake supplementary research training.
• Receive training and mentoring on the development of leadership skills.

Please apply online via the above 'Apply' button.

Please note the following:

Title: PhD Studentship – Autonomous vehicle technologies

Please be advised that the selection process may involve an interview.

Select the following course: PhD/MPhil in Computing

Applications must be completed by 5pm GMT on May 22, 2026.

For informal inquiries about the project or the application process contact Dr Matthias Rolf (mrolf@brookes.ac.uk) or Dr Andrew Bradley (abradley@brookes.ac.uk).