Fully Funded PhD in Offshore Engineering at UCD

PhDFinder; Emfuleni Local Municipality; On-site; EUR 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Ireland is offering a fully funded PhD opportunity focusing on the optimization of floating platforms for renewable energy applications under extreme climatic conditions. The ideal candidate should have a BEng or MEng in Civil, Coastal, or Offshore Engineering and be passionate about renewable energy systems. This PhD position involves hands-on experimental and computational research aimed at developing innovative solutions in offshore engineering.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in wave-structure interaction through modeling.
• Strong programming and analytical skills for computational simulations.
• A keen interest in renewable energy and interdisciplinary research.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize floating wind platforms and multi-energy systems.
• Conduct hands-on experimental work in wave flume facilities.
• Utilize advanced computational tools for simulations and modeling.

Skills

Wave-structure interaction

Programming

Analytical skills

Education

BEng or MEng in Civil, Coastal, or Offshore Engineering

Tools

OpenFAST

MoorDyn

OpenFOAM

Job description

University: University College Dublin

Country: Ireland

Deadline: 2025-07-31

Fields: Civil Engineering, Coastal Engineering, Offshore Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering

Are you passionate about advancing renewable energy technologies and eager to contribute to the future of sustainable offshore systems? If your academic ambitions are driven by a desire to tackle real-world engineering challenges and make a tangible impact on climate resilience, this opportunity at University College Dublin could be your ideal next step.

The transition to renewable energy sources is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Offshore engineering, particularly in the context of extreme climatic conditions, is at the forefront of this transformation. By participating in this PhD program, you will not only deepen your expertise in civil and offshore engineering, but also play a vital role in developing innovative solutions for the deployment of renewable energy systems.

About The University Or Research Institute

University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland’s largest and most globally engaged university, renowned for its research excellence and vibrant academic community. Located in the heart of Dublin, UCD’s School of Civil Engineering offers a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary collaboration, supported by world-class facilities and a commitment to advancing engineering solutions for societal benefit. The Environmental Hydrodynamics and Coastal Resilience (EHCR) Group, within the School of Civil Engineering, is recognized for its leadership in coastal and offshore engineering research, providing students with access to cutting-edge laboratories, experienced faculty, and a network of industry and academic partners.

Research Topic and Significance

The core research focus of this PhD position is the “Optimisation of Floating Platforms for Renewable Energy Applications under Extreme Climatic Conditions.” As the world seeks to harness wind, wave, and solar energy from offshore environments, the need for robust, efficient, and resilient floating platforms is critical. This project aims to optimize multi-energy integration systems—combining wind, wave, and solar technologies—to maximize energy yield and system reliability, especially in harsh marine conditions. The outcomes of this research will contribute directly to the global push for decarbonization and the sustainable expansion of renewable energy infrastructure, addressing both technical and environmental challenges.

Also See

• Fully Funded PhD in Coastal Engineering & Infrastructure Resilience
• Fully Funded PhD in Biomechanics of Traumatic Brain Injury at UCD
• Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Bridge Monitoring and Infrastructure Resilience at…
• Postdoctoral Opportunity in Climate and Science Communication Research
• Postdoctoral Opportunity in Applied Planning and Scheduling Under Uncertainty for Offshore…
  
  

Project Details

The Successful Candidate Will Join The EHCR Group At UCD’s School Of Civil Engineering For a 3-year, Fully Funded PhD Program. The Research Will Focus On

– The design and optimization of floating wind platforms and integrated multi-energy systems.

– Conducting hands-on experimental work in UCD’s state-of-the-art 2D Wave Flume facility.

– Utilizing advanced computational tools such as OpenFAST, MoorDyn, and OpenFOAM for CFD simulations and modeling.

– Developing hybrid and modular offshore systems to support the next generation of renewable energy deployment.

This project offers a unique combination of experimental and computational research, providing comprehensive training and exposure to both physical modeling and advanced simulation techniques.

Candidate Profile

The Ideal Applicant Will Possess

– A BEng or MEng degree in Civil, Coastal, or Offshore Engineering, with a First or Upper Second Class standing.

– Demonstrated experience in wave-structure interaction, through either physical or numerical modeling.

– Strong programming and analytical skills, essential for computational simulations and data analysis.

– A Master’s degree and/or peer-reviewed publications are considered advantageous, though not mandatory.

– A keen interest in renewable energy systems, offshore engineering challenges, and interdisciplinary research.

Applicants should be self-motivated, collaborative, and eager to contribute to both the academic and practical aspects of offshore renewable energy research.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must email a single PDF containing a cover letter, a short CV, and a 2-page research proposal to md[dot]salauddin[at]ucd[dot]ie. The email subject should be: “PhD Studentship in Offshore Engineering – EHCR Lab – Starting September 2025”.

Application Deadline: 31 July 2025

Conclusion

This fully funded PhD opportunity at University College Dublin offers an exceptional platform for aspiring engineers to engage with cutting-edge research in offshore renewable energy. If you are ready to advance your academic career and make a meaningful contribution to sustainable energy solutions, we encourage you to submit your application before the deadline. For more opportunities in engineering and related fields, explore further listings below this post.

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