PhD: Pontoon‑Based Offshore Solar Performance

RFCSR; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development training

Conference participation

Academic publication outputs

Job summary

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship on “The Performance of Pontoons for Offshore Solar Energy.” The project focuses on pontoon-based floating solar systems, their design, performance, and optimisation for offshore environments.

The successful candidate will undertake original research on structural integrity, hydrodynamics, and environmental interactions, with access to advanced facilities, software, and collaborations with industry partners and

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in engineering principles, particularly structural and mechanical engineering.
• Knowledge of hydrodynamics, offshore structures, or renewable energy systems.
• Experience with computational modelling, simulation software, or experimental testing.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.

Responsibilities

• Undertake original research to investigate structural integrity, hydrodynamic performance, and environmental interactions of pontoon-mounted solar arrays.
• Design, performance, and optimisation of floating solar energy systems.
• Collaborate with industry partners and research networks; participate in conferences and publish outputs.

Skills

Engineering principles

Hydrodynamics knowledge

Computational modelling

Analytical & problem solving

Written & verbal communication

Independent & collaborative work

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering/related field

Master’s degree desirable

Job description

The University of Plymouth invites applications for a fully funded PhD studentship on “The Performance of Pontoons for Offshore Solar Energy.” The project focuses on pontoon-based floating solar systems, their design, performance, and optimisation for offshore environments.

The successful candidate will undertake original research on structural integrity, hydrodynamics, and environmental interactions, with access to advanced facilities, software, and collaborations with industry partners and