PhD Studentship: Tackling the Geotechnical Challenges of Floating Offshore Wind

PhD Supervisor: Prof David White

Supervisory Team: Prof David White, Prof Susan Gourvenec, Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine

Lead the Way in Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Are you interested in the development of offshore wind energy and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of offshore renewable energy as part of a UK-wide research team while deepening your expertise in geotechnical engineering.

Project Description

You will join the UK-funded Offshore Renewable Energy Supergen Hub project, which aims to advance ORE to meet net zero by 2050. You will be part of the geotechnical team and will contribute to research that streamlines and optimises offshore wind developments.

What will you do?

Your PhD will be framed around the topics described below:

• Optimising farm-scale site characterisation: Evaluate the best approach for farm-scale geotechnical characterisation, which makes best use of existing and new site investigation tools.
• Farm-scale geotechnical design strategies: Devise new design approaches that adopt reliability-based methods to suit farms with hundreds of turbines and account for variability in loading and soil conditions.
• Anchoring systems for floating offshore wind: Develop novel anchor concepts, suited to the seabed conditions in ORE frontier regions.

Your project will include interaction with industry partners, keeping it aligned with sector needs and relevant to real-life challenges.

What is the expected impact of this research?

• Cost reduction: Optimised ORE design and installation processes, that allow cost-effective deployment of future wind farms.
• Environmental sustainability: Enable wider adoption of offshore wind energy, a clean and renewable source of power.
• Technological advancement: Push the boundaries of knowledge in geotechnical engineering for offshore applications.

Who are we looking for?

• A highly motivated and self-directed individual with a strong foundation in geotechnical or civil engineering.
• Experience with soil mechanics, statistical analysis, numerical modelling, and/or experimental testing is desirable.
• A passion for renewable energy and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with supervisors, researchers, and industry partners.

What are the benefits for you?

• Work with a team of academic and industry experts on the geotechnical design of offshore wind systems and use state-of-the-art facilities.
• Develop advanced numerical and physical modelling skills, and a deep knowledge of offshore geotechnics, enabling you to choose your preferred path in academia or industry.
• Develop transferrable skills, write journal papers, attend conferences and extend your network via the Supergen ORE Hub activities.

To discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof. David White, Email: david.white@soton.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 August 2024.

The position will be filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. 

For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton 

How To Apply

Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above. Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor David White

Applications should include:

• Cover Letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Two reference letters
• Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

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