PhD: Endurant AUV Power & Propulsion for Offshore Energy

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fees funded UK Home

Stipend £21,805

Research training grant £20,000

Job summary

Newcastle University seeks a PhD candidate to develop an endurant power and propulsion system for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The project aims for 500m+ depth endurance, 1000+ hours, and 2000+ miles of range, enabling persistent offshore maintenance and inspection for energy infrastructure.

The role is part of the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero, co-supervised by the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University, with UK Home fees covered and a tax-free living

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (usually chemical engineering or chemistry).
• Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Co-develop system requirements based on real offshore inspection missions.
• Integrate the battery and propulsion prototypes into an AUV platform.
• Conduct controlled tank testing followed by representative sea trials.
• Deliver a validated endurant AUV power‑propulsion module ready for integration.

Skills

Research enthusiasm

Independent thinker

Analytical skills

Verbal & written comms

Education

2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent

Job description

Newcastle University seeks a PhD candidate to develop an endurant power and propulsion system for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The project aims for 500m+ depth endurance, 1000+ hours, and 2000+ miles of range, enabling persistent offshore maintenance and inspection for energy infrastructure.

The role is part of the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero, co-supervised by the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University, with UK Home fees covered and a tax-free living