Application Closing Date: July 31, 2025.
The environmental hydrodynamics and coastal resilience (EHCR) research group, led by Dr
Md Salauddin at UCD, invites applications for a 3-year PhD studentship in Offshore
Engineering within the UCD School of Civil Engineering starting in September 2025.
Project Description: Driven by the global energy transition and growing environmental
challenges, the offshore renewable energy sector is rapidly expanding into deeper waters.
This PhD project will focus on the design optimisation of floating platforms for renewable
energy systems, particularly floating wind, with consideration for multi-energy integration
(e.g., wind, wave, solar) under rapidly changing climatic conditions.
Experimental investigations will be conducted in the 2D wave flume in the Hydraulics
Laboratory at UCD’s School of Civil Engineering, enabling the candidate to evaluate
dynamic stability, energy conversion potential, and system resilience. In addition to physical
modelling, the project will involve advanced numerical simulations using CFD modelling
techniques such as OpenFAST coupled with MoorDyn, integrated within the OpenFOAM
framework.
The project will also explore synergies between floating platforms and other renewable
energy sources (e.g., wave energy converters), with the aim of enabling hybrid, modular,
and extensible offshore systems for future deployment. A state-of-the-art review of relevant
scientific and technical literature will underpin the project, guiding model development and
validation strategies.
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) - Experience in physical and numerical modelling of wave-structure interactions of
coastal or offshore structures (essential) - Strong interest in offshore renewable energy, hydrodynamics, and floating structure
design (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)
- Master’s degree in coastal/offshore/hydraulic engineering (desirable)
- Strong ability to communicate scientific research findings (desirable)
Funding: Funding will cover the following elements:
- Duration: 36 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:
To apply, please submit an application pack consisting of the following documents:
- A one-page cover letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential and
desirable criteria for this PhD position - A short CV
- A brief research proposal (maximum 2 pages) relevant to the project topic
Please email your complete application as a single PDF to: md.salaudin@ucd.ie
Email Subject: PhD Studentship in Offshore Engineering – EHCR Lab – Starting September 2025
Applications via other channels will not be accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be
contacted within one week after the deadline. All data related to the recruitment process will
be permanently deleted upon completion of the selection procedure, in accordance with
data protection regulations.
Informal queries can be directed to md.salauddin@ucd.ie.
