Research Associate/Assistant on Ships Decarbonisation and Alternative Fuels (743901)

The Faculty of Engineering is one of the largest and most successful engineering faculties in the UK, and the largest in Scotland. As a leading international technological university, Strathclyde University is recognised for its world-class research, knowledge exchange and educational programmes. At the heart of this is the Faculty of Engineering, which boasts a growing research portfolio of nearly £100 million.

The Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering is a world-leader in research in: Ship Design, Stability and Safety, Marine Hydrodynamics, Marine Structures, Ocean Engineering, Marine Engineering, Emerging Technologies, Offshore Renewable Energy and Alternative Fuels. As part of a significant Industry-University partnership involving, in the first instance, the University of Strathclyde – Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (NAOME), Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and DNV Classification Society, the Maritime Safety Research Centre (MSRC) of Excellence has been set up with the vision is to establish a world-class centre of excellence, a reference and a shaping force of maritime safety.

MSRC seeks to employ a Research Associate or Research Assistant to participate in the on-going research projects funded by Innovate UK VRIVEN (Virtual Reality‐based Immersive Education for Next-Generation Zero-Emission Vessels) and HySOME (Hydrogen Safe Operations of Marine engines). VRIVEN develops concepts for next-generation methanol-fuelled ships whereas HySOME investigates hydrogen-fuelled ship operation. Both projects employ simulation tools to derive insights for these ships operations at typical conditions and emergencies.

The simulation results will be used to develop innovative XR training solutions for the next-generation zero-emissions vessels. You should have a MEng degree (or equivalent) and a PhD in Maritime Engineering and Technology or pertinent disciplines (Res Assistant if no PhD), adequate knowledge of modelling marine engines operations with alternative fuels (hydrogen, methanol, ammonia), simulation tools for marine engines and/or fires due to fuel leakages, data analysis methods and their applications for ships, sufficient understanding of appropriate research methods within the pertinent systems engineering and science disciplines.

You should have knowledge of programming languages skills either through work experience or from previous research. You will conduct literature reviews, develop models of various types (thermodynamics, data-driven) for predicting the systems performance, emissions, reliability and safety parameters, collect, collate and analyse pertinent measured or calculated parameters, conduct surveys and undertake and record the outcomes of physical and numerical tests. You will work under general supervision, and you should have the ability to work within a team environment and respect deadlines; canwork independently on technically challenging projects and delivering results. Capability of writing high-quality journal publications and research reports, have knowledge of appropriate research methods and have skills on developing research proposals. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You will join a multidisciplinary international team with industrial partners and must be prepared to travel for project meetings or in undertaking specific research activity.

The position is offered initially on a 12-month contract with possibility for further extension dependent on funding.

Initial interviews have been scheduled for September 2025.

For informal enquiries, please contact, Prof Gerasimos Theotokatos, MSRC Director at gerasimos.theotokatos@strath.ac.uk. 

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