Climate resilient submerged infrastructure

Applications are invited for a PhD position on the investigation of novel design methods to improve the resilience of submerged infrastructure (i.e. bridge piers, wind turbines) subject to hydrodynamic action (e.g. currents and waves).

Many critical submerged infrastructures are exposed to increased risk due to climate-induced changes in environment conditions, such as increased river or coastal currents or wave action. In order to design the next generation of submerged infrastructure that are sustainable and both cost and carbon efficient, new design methods are required.

In this PhD you will work at some of the world’s best laboratory and computing facilities to investigate novel ideas to tackle those challenges. You will have access to a world leading large scale hydraulic laboratory at the University of Southampton, where new ideas can be tested with high accuracy. You will also have access to one of the fastest supercomputing facilities in the UK.

The successful applicant will join a world-leading research team and environment at the University of Southampton, a Russell Group member ranked as one of the world’s top 100 universities. They will join a vibrant and international community of over 400 PhD students in the School of Engineering.

The planned start date is Autumn 2027, but an earlier start is also possible.

Entry requirements

You must have a UK 2:1 honours degree or its international equivalent in one of the following:

• engineering
• physics
• or a closely related discipline

Ideally, you will have strong knowledge and experience in fluid dynamics and hydraulics.

The planned start date is Autumn 2027, but an earlier start is also possible.

Fees and funding

We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students. Horizon Europe fee waivers automatically cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for qualifying students.

Competition-based Presidential Bursaries from the University cover the difference between overseas and UK fees for top-ranked applicants.

Competition-based studentships offered by our schools typically cover UK-level tuition fees and a stipend for living costs for top-ranked applicants.

Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

For more information, please visit our postgraduate research funding pages.

How to apply

Apply now

You need to:

• choose programme type (Research), 2027/28, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
• select Full time or Part time
• search for programme PhD Engineering & the Environment (7175)
• add name of the supervisor in section 2 of the application

Applications should include:

• your CV (resumé)
• 2 academic references
• degree transcripts and certificates to date
• English language qualification (if applicable)

Contact us

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences

For questions about applying, doctoralcollege-admissions@soton.ac.uk.

Project leader

For an initial conversation, email g.dealmeida@soton.ac.uk

The School of Engineering is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.