PhD in Developing Multi - Intelligence Agent - Evolving Cyber - Physical - Social Systems

About the opportunity Join Cranfield University's Systems Realization Group (SRG) for an MSc by Research exploring Evolving Cyber-Physical-Social Systems (eCPSS). This project combines software engineering, data science and human-centred AI to integrate existing research demonstrators into a usable, client-facing decision-support platform. SRG develops and evaluates principles and mechanisms that help engineered systems adapt to changing requirements while preserving safety, accountable human authority and sustainability. Your research will support the translation of these advances into tools that organisations can evaluate and use. Success will involve delivering a working minimum viable product (MVP), documenting its architecture and evaluating how effectively it supports users in completing tasks, understanding recommendations and tracing decisions. Responsibilities

• Assess existing research demonstrators and identify their integration requirements.
• Develop a modular software architecture and shared data interfaces.
• Connect components through APIs or adapters.
• Build a web interface that enables users to explore operational changes, compare responses and review decision rationale.
• Retain appropriate human approval and record decisions throughout the workflow.
• Evaluate integration reliability, usability, task completion and decision traceability using agreed manufacturing scenarios.
• Collaborate with SRG researchers and demonstrator developers.
• Produce technical documentation, reproducible installation guidance and an MSc by Research thesis. Qualifications
• A first- or second-class UK honours degree, or equivalent, in Computer Science or Data Science. Related computing disciplines with equivalent practical experience may also be considered.
• Strong programming skills in Python or an equivalent language, with evidence of building working software.
• Ability to work with APIs, structured data, databases and version control.
• Experience developing user-facing applications.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• An interest in human-centred design, accountable AI and applied research. Experience with JavaScript/TypeScript, web frameworks, automated testing, AI/LLM integration, knowledge graphs or software deployment is desirable. Prior manufacturing or healthcare experience is not required. Applicants are encouraged to share relevant projects or a portfolio/repository link. Study arrangements This is a self-funded MSc by Research opportunity, rather than a salaried position. The duration is one year full-time or two years part-time, and applications are welcome from UK and international candidates. For enquiries, contact Dr Jelena Milisavljevic Syed at jelenams@cranfield.ac.uk. View the opportunity and apply