EPSRC iCASE PhD Studentship with SLB, University of Sheffield

Project title: Buoyancy effects in advanced geothermal systems

We invite applications for a fully funded four-year EPSRC iCASE PhD studentship at the University of Sheffield, offered in collaboration with SLB, a global leader in energy technology innovation. The project focuses on advanced geothermal systems (AGS), an emerging approach to the extraction of geothermal energy as a renewable energy source that overcomes the geographic limitations of conventional systems, enabling global scalability and accessibility. Using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approaches, the project is aimed at deepening the understanding of buoyancy effects in AGS and enhancing modelling capabilities for predicting energy extraction efficiency.

The research will focus on:

• Investigating fluid flow and heat transfer in geothermal wells under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions relevant to AGS.
• Developing high-fidelity direct numerical simulation (DNS) models to map flow regimes and explore buoyancy-driven flow transitions.
• Improving the accuracy of thermo-hydraulic and reduced-resolution models using insights from DNS results.
• Exploring strategies to control/leverage buoyancy effects to enhance heat transfer efficiency.

The successful candidate will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team at SLB Cambridge Research (SCR), part of SLB’s global network of research and engineering centres. The collaboration will include validating simulation results, refining modelling techniques, and exploring practical applications for AGS. This iCASE studentship includes a placement at SCR, offering an opportunity to apply research findings to real-world challenges in geothermal energy extraction.

Person requirements.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a first class or upper second-class degree in engineering, physics, applied mathematics or a related field.  A solid foundation in fluid dynamics and heat transfer, and experience with computer programming and/or CFD, preferably involving turbulent heat transfer, are desirable but not essential.

Overseas applicants will require an acceptable English qualification such as IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 and minimum of 6 in each component or equivalent English language requirements for postgraduates | Postgraduate study | The University of Sheffield.

The student is expected to present their research outcomes to the project team/sponsors on a regular basis in both written and oral formats.

Funding

The studentship is open to UK, EU and international candidates.

The studentship is available to start in October 2025.

The annual tax-free stipend is at UKRI rate (currently £19,237 p.a.) plus £4,000 per year top-up for 4 years. Generous funding is also available for training, and conference and workshop attendance.

How to apply

For further information and informal discussion please contact Professor Shuisheng He at s.he@sheffield.ac.uk. To apply, please use our on-line PhD application form via the 'Apply' button above, including your CV and two references and indicating on your form that you are replying to this advert.

Closing date for application: 3^rd March 2025.

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