In an ambitious move to tackle climate change, the University of Liverpool is offering a funded PhD scholarship for the 2024 academic year. This unique opportunity, part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions (N0MES), invites pioneering researchers to delve into optimizing trenching techniques for subsea cable installation—an essential component in renewable energy infrastructure.
About this Phd Scholarship
Supervisors: Dr. Xue Zhang, Dr. Yan Zhou, and Dr. Hui Yan
Research Area: Engineering and Planning
Location: School of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering
This four-year funded position is open to candidates worldwide, offering full tuition and a competitive stipend. Applicants must either have a Master’s Degree or expect to obtain one by the commencement date in an appropriate field of engineering. Exceptional candidates with a First-Class Bachelor’s Degree may also be considered.
Funding and Benefits
The studentship covers all tuition fees and provides a maintenance grant starting at £19,237 per annum for 2024-2025. Additional funding is available for conference attendance, fieldwork, and more, underlining the program’s commitment to comprehensive research training.
Project Focus
The scholarship centers on enhancing the efficiency of subsea cable installations crucial for transmitting power from offshore renewable energy sources like wind, tidal, and solar farms to the mainland. The project aims to:
- Extend and refine particle finite element models to better simulate the dynamic interactions between cutting tools and seabed soils.
- Validate these models through both experimental and industry-partner data.
- Develop new methodologies to improve the trenching process’s efficiency, influencing future industry practices.
Application Method
Prospective candidates should submit:
- An application via the University of Liverpool’s PhD application portal.
- Relevant documents including degree certificates, transcripts, an updated CV, and two academic references.
- A supporting statement of up to 300 words, detailing your motivation, relevant skills, and prior research experience.
Application Deadline: 20 May 2024
Professors in charge of this Opportunity
For more details about the research project, candidates can reach out to Dr. Xue Zhang at [email protected]. Questions about the application process should be directed to the CDT Manager, Matt Fulton, at [email protected].