Application Closing Date: 31st July 2025.
The environmental hydrodynamics and coastal resilience (EHCR) research group, led by
Dr Md Salauddin at UCD, invites applications for a 24-month MEngSc by Research
studentship in Coastal Engineering within the UCD School of Civil Engineering starting in
either September 2025 or January 2026. Applications from SIDS nationals and/or students
already enrolled in SIDS institutions are strongly encouraged.
Project: Mangroves are essential for coastal protection, serving as natural barriers against
storm surges and erosion. Their dense root systems shield shorelines from waves and
flooding. The key benefits of mangroves include Provisioning (e.g., fisheries and forestry
products), Regulatory (e.g., reduction of carbon footprint and natural barriers from coastal
erosion and flooding), Supporting (e.g., growth of species and enhancing biodiversity of
ecosystems & nutrient circulation), and Cultural (e.g., recreation and touristic zones).
Trinidad and Tobago (T & T) have 48 mangrove sites, with 35 in Trinidad and 11 in Tobago,
located along all coasts of Trinidad and the North (Leeward) and South (Windward) coasts
of Tobago. The ongoing climate change crisis is significantly impacting mangroves in T&T,
compromising this vital coastal ecosystem. Key challenges include fragmentation, human
activities, pollution from solid waste, and the conversion of mangrove areas into rice
cultivation sites. This PhD project aims to quantify and enhance understanding of the
coastal protection services provided by mangrove ecosystems in T&T using a combination
of physical and numerical modelling techniques. Laboratory experiments will be conducted
in the 2D wave flume at UCD’s Hydraulics Laboratory to investigate the wave attenuation
performance of mangrove root systems under varying wave conditions. The scholar will also
develop and apply numerical models to simulate complex wave-vegetation interactions,
accounting for site-specific configurations and climate impacts.
As part of this transnational project, the Scholar will work closely with project team members
across UCD and UWI. The Scholar will have the opportunity to collaborate with a team of
experts in coastal engineering and relevant industrial stakeholders.
Requirements/Qualifications:
- Candidates must have a first or upper second-class honours degree or a bachelor’s
degree in civil engineering or coastal engineering or a relevant field (essential) - Strong numerical, analytical, and programming skills (essential)
- Fluent in English language (UCD’s minimum English language requirements here)
- Strong motivation and commitment to conduct high-quality research (essential)
- Willingness to travel to the UWI for up to 3 months per year for secondment (essential)
- CFD modelling experience using OpenFOAM or other tools
- Strong ability to communicate scientific research findings (desirable)
Funding:
This project is funded by Marine Institute (MI) Ireland under the Our Shared Ocean
Programme (Grant No. OSO-25-MSC-01). Funding will cover the following elements: - Duration: 24 Months
- Tuition fees: Full for EU or non-EU applicant
- Stipend: 25,000 Euros per annum
- Additional research and travel expenses will also be available.
How to Apply: Please use this form to apply for this MEngSc by Research position.
Applications submitted by email will not be considered. Informal queries can be directed to
md.salauddin@ucd.ie. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within four weeks after the
application deadline.
