PhD Scholarship in Offshore Wind Engineering, Civil & Structural Engineering/Mechanical Engineering/Software Engineering

Lead Supervisor: Dr Alessandro Tombari, University of Exeter

Location: Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy, Department of Engineering, Streatham Campus, Exeter

Project Description:

This PhD project aims to address key engineering and environmental challenges in the offshore wind sector. Successful candidates will contribute to pioneering research that supports the sustainable growth of offshore wind energy, both in the UK & globally. Candidates can align their expertise with one or more of the following research areas at the University of Exeter:

• Innovative transition piece designs for vibration control
• Data-driven methodologies for geotechnical investigation & design
• Software solutions for Virtual Reality (VR) applications in offshore wind farms
• Information Modelling for Offshore Engineering
• Discrete Element Modelling of degrading marine soils

The research will involve advanced computational modelling & programming, providing a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge solutions for the future of offshore wind.

This award provides annual funding to cover Home tuition fees & a tax-free stipend.  For students who pay Home tuition fees the award will cover the tuition fees in full, plus at least £19,237 per year tax-free stipend.

The studentship will be awarded on the basis of merit for 3.5 years of full-time study to commence on 1st May 2025.

International applicants need to be aware that you will have to cover the cost of your student visa, healthcare surcharge and other costs of moving to the UK to do a PhD. 

Entry requirements

Candidates must have, or expect to achieve, a First Class UK Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Civil, Structural, Mechanical (Structural/Materials), Offshore/Maritime Engineering, or Software Engineering.

We are looking for candidates with strong skills or clear potential to develop expertise in structural mechanics, dynamics, & computational modelling. A proactive attitude, enthusiasm for research, and a commitment to making a significant impact on the offshore wind industry are essential.

Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate:

• Experience or strong interest in the areas of the project
• High motivation and a track record of working independently or within a team on challenging technical problems

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the required level as per our guidance at https://www.exeter.ac.uk/pg-research/apply/english/

How to apply

In the application process, you will be asked to upload several documents. 

• CV
• Letter of application (outlining your academic/research interests, research area/s of interest,  prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).
• Samples of prior work that demonstrate their relevant skills and expertise (examples of academic and technical work, such as reports, research papers, final year or capstone projects, Code samples or software tools developed (for those with a software engineering focus, other relevant technical documentation showing experience with computational modelling or engineering design)
• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied & grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying)
• Two references from referees familiar with your academic work. If your referees prefer, they can email the reference direct to PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk quoting the studentship reference number.
• If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 16th December 2024.  

If you have any general enquiries about the application process please email PGRApplicants@exeter.ac.uk or phone 0300 555 60 60 (UK callers) +44 (0) 1392 723044 (EU/International callers). 

Project-specific queries should be directed to:

Main Supervisor (A.Tombari@exeter.ac.uk).

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