PhD Studentship: Developing Robotic Ground Investigation Tools for Offshore Renewable Energy and Infrastructure
1 month ago
PhD Supervisor: Prof David White
Supervisory Team: Prof David White, Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine, Prof Susan Gourvenec
Lead the Way in Sustainable Infrastructure
Are you interested in civil engineering technology and offshore wind energy, and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of geotechnical testing technology for sustainable energy and infrastructure, while deepening your skillset in geotechnical engineering.
Project Description
You will be part of the UK-Ireland funded ROBOCONE project, which is developing ROBOCONE - a new site investigation tool for intelligent ground characterisation - and its interpretative theoretical framework - from data to design. ROBOCONE combines modern technologies in robotic control and sensor miniaturisation with new theoretical analyses of soil-structure interaction, to reliably mimic loading and deformation histories experienced during the entire lifespan of geotechnical infrastructure, such as offshore wind turbines.
What will you do?
- Advanced geomechanical analysis: Use advanced numerical modelling to understand ROBOCONE behaviour, and link it to the response of infrastructure.
- Innovative investigation design: Develop novel concepts to interpret ROBOCONE data and quantify the most important aspects of soil behaviour
- Experimental testing: Work along the ROBOCONE team to validate your findings against laboratory/field tests.
What is the expected impact of this research?
- Cost reduction: Advance the technology used for ground characterisation, to allow faster and cheaper ground investigation.
- Environmental sustainability: Support the roll out of offshore wind energy and reduce the carbon footprint of infrastructure.
- Technological advancement: Push the boundaries of technology in civil engineering, introducing robotics and advanced subsurface testing.
Who are we looking for?
- A highly motivated and self-directed individual with a strong foundation in geotechnical or civil engineering.
- Experience with soil mechanics, numerical modelling, and/or experimental testing is desirable.
- A passion for sustainability and renewable energy, and a desire to contribute to a sustainable future.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with supervisors, researchers, and industry partners.
What are the benefits for you?
- Work with a team of academic and industry experts in the design of site investigation technology and use state-of-the-art facilities.
- Develop advanced numerical and physical modelling skills, together with a deep knowledge of geotechnical site characterisation, that will enable you to choose your preferred path in academia or industry.
- Develop transferrable skills, write journal papers, attend conferences and extend your network by participating to the ROBOCONE project activities.
If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Prof David White, Email: david.white@soton.ac.uk
Entry Requirements
A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).
Closing date: 30 April 2024.
The position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.
Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships | Doctoral College | University of Southampton
How To Apply
Apply online, by clicking the 'Apply' button, above. Select programme type (Research), 2024/25, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Engineering & Environment (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor Prof Dave White
Applications should include:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two reference letters
- Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date
We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Prof David WhiteSupervisory Team: Prof David White, Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine, Prof Susan GourvenecLead the Way in Sustainable InfrastructureAre you interested in civil engineering technology and offshore wind energy, and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is a unique opportunity to...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Prof David WhiteSupervisory Team: Prof David White, Prof Susan Gourvenec, Dr Benjamin CerfontaineLead the Way in Offshore Renewable Energy InfrastructureAre you interested in the development of offshore wind energy and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is an opportunity to contribute to...
-
Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Prof David White Supervisory Team: Prof David White, Prof Susan Gourvenec, Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine Lead the Way in Offshore Renewable Energy Infrastructure Are you interested in the development of offshore wind energy and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is an opportunity to contribute to...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Dr Benjamin CerfontaineSupervisory Team: Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine, Prof David White, Prof Susan GourvenecLead the Way in Sustainable Energy InfrastructureAre you interested in the development of offshore wind energy and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is a unique opportunity to contribute...
-
Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine Supervisory Team: Dr Benjamin Cerfontaine, Prof David White, Prof Susan Gourvenec Lead the Way in Sustainable Energy Infrastructure Are you interested in the development of offshore wind energy and have a passion for geotechnical engineering? This PhD position is for you. This project is a unique opportunity to...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: David Richards, Fernando Alvarez-Borges, Madhu Murthy, Benjamin CerfontaineProject description:Around 70% of Europe's offshore wind turbines are installed in the North Sea. Chalk, a calcareous weak rock, is widely present in this area. Driven piles are currently the preferred foundation system for these structures, but pile design entails a...
-
southampton University, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr. Muhammad Burhan Hafez (Lead Supervisor), Professor Adam SobeyPhD Supervisor: Muhammad Burhan HafezProject description:The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into robot learning has recently demonstrated remarkable success. It became possible to ground LLMs in the physical context and solve long-horizon robotic tasks efficiently...
-
southampton University, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr. Muhammad Burhan Hafez (Lead Supervisor), Professor Adam Sobey PhD Supervisor: Muhammad Burhan Hafez Project description: The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) into robot learning has recently demonstrated remarkable success. It became possible to ground LLMs in the physical context and solve long-horizon robotic tasks...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeProject title: PhD Studentship in Nanophotonics and Metamaterials: Development of Switchable and Programmable Metasurfaces using Novel Materials Supervisory Team: Prof. Otto Muskens; Dr Ioannis ZeimpekisProject description:Metaoptics, the application of metasurface concepts in optical systems, is a rapidly growing field that has the potential to...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Dr Seung Lee Supervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and national Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton and Ohio State University)Project description:A fully-funded 4 year PhD studentship (Institute for Life Sciences studentship) for research...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr Christine Evers Project Description: Are you keen on conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, deep learning and robot perception? We are recruiting a fully-funded (UK fees) PhD student who will work amongst a team of researchers on an exciting, EPSRC-funded research programme on "Active Audition for Robots...
-
Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr Christine Evers Project Description: Are you keen on conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, deep learning and robot perception? We are recruiting a fully-funded (UK fees) PhD student who will work amongst a team of researchers on an exciting, EPSRC-funded research programme on “Active Audition for...
-
PhD Studentship
4 weeks ago
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr N.C. Townsend, Prof D.A. Hudson and Dr J.A. Bowker (industrial)Project descriptionWave energy can be used to improve the performance of ships and boats. By exploiting hydrodynamically the available wave energy, the motions, emissions, and powering requirements of ships operating in adverse weather conditions can be significantly...
-
Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timePhD Supervisor: Dr Seung Lee Supervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and national Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton and Ohio State University) Project description: A fully-funded 4 year PhD studentship (Institute for Life Sciences studentship) for...
-
PhD Studentship
4 weeks ago
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr N.C. Townsend, Prof D.A. Hudson and Dr J.A. Bowker (industrial)Project descriptionShip model testing is expensive and time consuming. Can we derive hydrodynamic seakeeping and manoeuvring characteristics with focused datasets, eliminating time consuming single variable investigations?In this PhD program you will develop and test novel...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Chris-Kriton Skylaris (90%) Andrea Russell (10%)Project description:Proton-exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells are an emerging technology for environmentally sustainable transport and other carbon-neutral energy applications. A crucial component of these devices are the metallic catalyst nanoparticles which allow the chemical...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Dr Seung Lee (School of Chemistry), Prof. Jeremy Webb (School of Biological Sciences and National Biofilms Innovation Centre), Prof. Paul Stoodley (University of Southampton), Dr Rob Howlin (Haleon, industry), Dr David Bradshaw and Dr Ricarda Hawkins (Haleon, industry) Project Description:A fully-funded 4 year National Biofilms Innovation...
-
PhD Studentship
4 weeks ago
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Ioannis ZeimpekisProject description:Revolutionising the semiconductor industry with next generation 2D materials and devices.Moore's Law is currently being challenged with Nvidia CEO recently claiming it is over. The scaling of transistors cannot continue due to physical limitations of silicon posing a threat to the sustainable evolution...
-
Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Chris-Kriton Skylaris (90%) Andrea Russell (10%) Project description: Proton-exchange Membrane (PEM) hydrogen fuel cells are an emerging technology for environmentally sustainable transport and other carbon-neutral energy applications. A crucial component of these devices are the metallic catalyst nanoparticles which allow the chemical...
-
Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom University of Southampton Full timeSupervisory Team: Prof. Otto Muskens; Alberto PolitiProject Description:In this project, the student will develop new technologies for integrated quantum optical chips allowing programming and tuning of devices under different operating conditions and in particular for operation in a cryogenic environment. The ability to actively control different parts of...
