Monday, August 31, 2026
Competition Funded PhD Project (UK Students Only)
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About the Project
This project aims to explore different strategies of how offshore wind turbine foundations can be reused for new wind power projects, by focusing on the increase of their bearing capacity, the soil-structure interaction and their long-term performance. Additionally, the project will consider all the possible geotechnical implications during both the construction and operational phases of wind farms, aiming to improve efficiency and promote sustainability in offshore wind energy.
Objective 1: Assess the structural integrity of foundations after the operational life of offshore wind turbines (through numerical and physical modelling), considering geotechnical degradation over time, including fixed-bottom and floating foundation systems.
Objective 2: Develop methods for repurposing end-life foundations for new wind turbines or other maritime applications and assess their feasibility.
Objective 3: Quantify the environmental and economic benefits of reusing versus decommissioning and replacing foundations, by conducting lifecycle carbon assessment of different methods.
Objective 4: Propose integrated environmental and economic solutions for decarbonizing, reusing, and optimizing foundations in offshore wind energy, considering the soil-structure interaction.
Applicant Eligibility
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a master’s degree or equivalent from a reputable university in a relevant subject OR a 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
Application enquiries to:
LJMU Co-Ordinator, Dr Tasos Georgoulas A.Georgoulas@ljmu.ac.uk
Applications nomescdt@ljmu.av.uk
Applications nomescdt@ljmu.av.uk
Application Web Address:
CDT website = N0MES: Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions
Contact for Enquiries:
N0mescdt@ljmu.ac.uk
