PhD Studentship: Physics-informed machine learning for deep geothermal systems under uncertainty

Award summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). An additional allowance will be provided to contribute towards consumables, equipment, and travel related to the project.

Overview

ReNU+ is a unique and ambitious programme that will train the next-generation of doctoral carbon champions who are renowned for research excellence and interdisciplinary systemic thinking for Net Zero. The ReNU+ vision is that they will become living examples of a highly skilled workforce delivering an equitable energy transition so that Net Zero is inclusive for all.

This PhD project aims to develop, physics-informed surrogate models to support the design and optimisation of deep geothermal energy systems under subsurface uncertainty. Focusing initially on closed-loop deep borehole heat exchangers and later extending to fully coupled open- and closed-loop systems, the project aims to integrate thermal, hydraulic and mechanical processes within heterogeneous reservoirs. By embedding governing equations and boundary conditions directly into machine-learning models, the project aims to enable efficient exploration of high-dimensional parameter spaces without sacrificing physical realism. The goal is to improve uncertainty quantification, risk reduction and assessment of low-carbon geothermal resources, supporting sustainable energy innovation.

This project addresses sustainable resource extraction for geothermal heating. The outcomes will support improved prediction, design, and performance assessment of geothermal systems, contributing to risk reduction and more efficient deployment of low-carbon heat technologies.

Sponsor

EPSRC

Name of supervisors

Mohamed Rouainia

Mark Ireland

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project (e.g. Geoscience, Civil Engineering, Physics, or Computational Science). Enthusiasm for research, the ability to think and work independently, excellent analytical skills and strong verbal and written communication skills are also essential requirements.

This studentship is open to those who qualify for Home tuition fees only. If you are not sure if you qualify, please contact pgadmissions@newcastle.ac.uk.

How to apply

You must apply through the University’s apply to portal via the apply button. 

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.  

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:  

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8208F
• leave the ‘Research Area’ field blank

• select ‘PhD Energy Materials' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:  

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form  
• the studentship code ReNU26_2 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field  
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.
• upload an up to date CV and a completed competency assessment form as ‘Supporting Documentation’.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. You are welcome to apply to other studentships at the same time, as long as you cite the relevant code on each application.

Contact Details

Mohamed.Rouainia@newcastle.ac.uk

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