Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WASP) Model and Simulation

Liverpool John Moores University; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university in Liverpool is looking for a candidate to develop a Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion simulator model. The role requires a degree in Computer Science or Engineering, with experience in naval architecture and 3ds Max. Responsibilities include collaborating with partners and assisting in training courses. This position offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits, including extensive annual leave and pension contributions.

Benefits

Competitive salaries based on 35 hour workweek

17.5% employer pension contributions

30 days annual leave

Health and wellbeing support

Discounts on gym and fitness classes

Qualifications

• Degree level education in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science or Engineering.
• Some experience working with external partners to collect data.
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver results in a demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop a Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WaSP) model within maritime simulators.
• Collaborate with project partners to align with research and development activities.
• Assist in delivering a simulator-based training course.

Skills

Experience in naval architecture

Knowledge of hydrodynamics

3ds Max expertise

Good interpersonal skills

Education

Degree in Computer Science or Engineering

Tools

Virtual Shipyard

3ds Max

Job description

Overview

The School of Engineering and Built Environment at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) invites applications for either one 0.8 FTE post or two (job share) posts to contribute to the EPSRC-funded Maritime and Last Mile Net Zero (MaLaMi) project, delivered through UKRI's Place-based Impact Acceleration Account (PBIAA). The role involves developing a Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WaSP) simulator model using Wartsila's Virtual Shipyard, 3ds Max, and related ship-modelling software.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist expertise and experience to the project team within LJMU and support consortium partners to ensure the delivery of the project and its outputs.
• Develop a Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion (WaSP) model within LJMU's maritime simulators using Wartsila's Virtual Shipyard, 3ds Max, and related ship-modelling or CAD tools.
• Review the STCW Code to identify gaps and contribute to the design of a training curriculum and realistic simulator scenarios for WaSP-equipped vessels.
• Support the creation of a validated WaSP training framework to offer bespoke training and for use in trials and demonstrations.
• Assist in delivering a two-day simulator‑based course using the developed WaSP model, including evaluating the impact of training on watchkeeper decision‑making and operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with project partners to align with their research and development activities and identify areas where LJMU can provide additional expertise.
• Engage with researchers and external stakeholders to gather data required for developing the WaSP model and simulator scenarios.
• Contribute to the creation of new simulation scenarios and/or collect data within LJMU's maritime simulators to support research outputs.
• Assist with management tasks such as organising meetings and workshops.
• Assist with providing technical documentation, code comments, and readable code.
• Analyse and interpret data, and support the preparation and submission of papers or presentations at regional, national or international conferences, journals and/or events.
• Ensure that the project activities are conducted to appropriate ethical and governance standards as defined by the University.
• Exercise due diligence in the management, protection and exploitation of intellectual property owned by the University and/or external partners.
• Perform any other duties commensurate with the grade as deemed necessary by the Director of the School.
• Commit to LJMU's values and regulations and Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Commit to the ethos of Respect Always as set out in the Respect Always Charter.
• Minimise environmental impact in the performance of the role and actively contribute to the delivery of LJMU's Environment and Sustainability Policy.
• Adhere to mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in the University's Safety Management Code of Practice.
• Contribute to externally funded projects such as research or EU projects when required.

Qualifications

• Degree level education in a relevant discipline such as Computer Science or Engineering.
• Experience in naval architecture, marine engineering or maritime simulation.
• Knowledge of hydrodynamics, vessel manoeuvring and propulsion systems.
• Demonstrable experience with developing simulation models for transportation systems.
• Experience using 3ds Max and related ship‑modelling or CAD tools.
• Some experience working with external partners to collect data.
• Knowledge of the STCW Code and related training requirements, or the ability to acquire such knowledge within the role.
• Ability to meet targets and deadlines.
• Ability to work autonomously and deliver results in a demanding and complex environment with multiple goals.
• Good interpersonal, written and oral communication and networking skills.
• Experience working in a team.
• Good time management and organisational skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries based on a low contractual 35 hour working week.
• 17.5% employer contributions to pensions for non‑academic staff enrolled into the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• 28.68% employer contribution to pensions for teaching staff enrolled into the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).
• Excellent annual leave provision – 30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers grade 8 and above, plus 8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 University closure days.
• Family friendly policies and a range of benefits to support flexibility such as job‑shares, flexible working hours and part‑time roles.
• Health and wellbeing support including access to a trained counsellor via Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and a range of activities and resources.
• Continuous development opportunities – LinkedIn Learning and others.
• Participation in LJMU Climate Action and Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks.
• Opportunity to volunteer at graduation ceremonies, open days and other events.
• Discounts on day‑to‑day purchases via the reward and benefits platform.
• Interest‑free loans repayable in twelve monthly instalments, including loans for annual travel tickets and cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building.