Research Scope and Vision
The successful candidate will investigate the multi-dimensional impacts of the green transition, with a particular focus on the role of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and Artificial Intelligence. The research will transition from high-level economic modelling to the practicalities of technical implementation and regulatory feasibility. Key pillars of the project include:
- Socio-Economic & Environmental Quantifications: You will develop robust models to evaluate the trade-offs of the net-zero transition. This involves conducting cost-benefit analyses (incorporating carbon taxation, infrastructure investment, and energy consumption shifts) to propose a new framework for measuring environmental performance against traditional fuel paradigms.
- Technological Synergy (AI & MASS): A core component of the project involves assessing how cutting-edge autonomous technologies can accelerate sustainability. You will develop a sustainable framework to measure technology performance, whilst identifying the human and external barriers that currently hinder the adoption of AI in maritime logistics.
- Regulatory Evolution & Policy Design: Beyond the technical, this research scrutinises the feasibility of international maritime regulations. Through expert interviews and comprehensive literature synthesis, you will validate current practices in shipping and ports to propose and prioritise strategic supporting measures for global policy implementation.
Expected Outcomes
This project is structured to produce high-impact scholarly contributions, with the expectation of generating at least three peer-reviewed journal papers in leading maritime and logistics publications over the three-year duration.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a researcher with a strong background in maritime logistics, transport economics, or environmental engineering, and a keen interest in the future of autonomous systems.
Applicant Eligibility
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in a relevant subject ORa First in a relevant bachelor’s degree.
Important Application Process
Candidates wishing to apply should email n0mescdt@ljmu.ac.uk, to request the N0MES CDT expression of interest form to be returned with:
- degree certificates and transcripts
- an up-to-date CV
- two academic references together with their contact information
- a supporting statement [one page of A4] detailing what inspired you to apply for this project, how your skill set matches this specific project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment to science, an example of science that excites you and any further information that you think will support your application
Once your application will be assessed successful candidates will be formally invited to apply.
Please use the following as the email subject title: PhD Studentship at the N0MES CDT. Good luck!
Funding Notes
Studentships pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, starting at the UKRI minimum of £20,780 per annum for 2025-2026 and cover full home UK tuition fees (plus EU , EAA settled *see note below). The studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a research training support grant which is available to fund conference attendance, fieldwork, internships etc.
Qualifications- will have, a master’s degree OR a 1st in a relevant bachelor’s degree.
References
LJMU Co-Ordinator, Dr Tasos Georgoulas A.Georgoulas@ljmu.ac.uk
Applications nomescdt@ljmu.av.uk
