High-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics for Offshore Renewable Energy Systems (ReNU+24/EE/MPEE/RENZI)

The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Renewable Energy Northeast Universities Plus (ReNU+) is a collaborative doctoral training programme run by the Universities of Northumbria, Newcastle and Durham. In addition to undertaking an individual scientific research project at one of the three partner Universities, doctoral candidates will engage with added value training opportunities, for example in business, innovation and internationalisation through a 4-year training programme that has been designed to maximise the benefits of a cohort approach to doctoral training. The start date is 1st October 2025. 

Are you passionate about renewable energy and advanced computational modelling? We are offering an exciting PhD opportunity to develop high-fidelity CFD models for offshore energy systems, such as wave energy converters and floating offshore wind turbines.

This project will enhance a state-of-the-art Lagrangian model developed by the supervisory team, improving its accuracy and computational efficiency, and extend it to real-world applications in offshore renewable energy.

You will be part of an interdisciplinary research team, collaborating with Mocean Energy, a leader in ocean energy technology, to develop high-end computational models, applied to reproduce the dynamics of a multi-body device like Mocean Energy’s wave energy converter. This project will provide you with hands-on experience in cutting-edge CFD modelling, industry exposure, and opportunities to work with academic and industry experts.

As part of the ReNU+ Centre for Doctoral Training, you will benefit from professional development programmes and industry networking. The PhD programme will also offer opportunities for outreach activities, allowing you to engage with diverse audiences and contribute to the wider societal goals of achieving Net Zero.

We are looking for motivated candidates with a background in engineering, physics, or applied mathematics. Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB) and an interest in renewable energy technologies are highly desirable.

Join us in making a meaningful contribution to the development of sustainable energy systems!

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Prof. Emiliano Renzi. For informal queries, please contact emiliano.renzi@northumbria.ac.uk. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please email pgr.admissions@northumbria.ac.uk.

Eligibility Requirements: 

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement. However, a 3 or 2:2 may be considered with relevant work experience, skills and/or expertise, please contact the Institution Director, vincent.barrioz@northumbria.ac.uk for further info.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.
• Must be able to commit to campus-based full-time or part-time study.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must: 

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student.   

Applicants will need to be in the UK and fully enrolled before stipend payments can commence. Note the following are not covered by the studentship. 

• Immigration Health Surcharge https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
• Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/student-visa.
• Costs associated with English Language requirements.

International applicants (including EU) must have valid immigration permissions to live and study in UK if they wish to study on a part-time basis. Northumbria University does not sponsor part-time student visas.

For further details on how to apply see https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/    

Please complete the PhD application form in full, include the advert reference (e.g. ReNU+24/…) and also:

1. Upload degree certificates, transcripts and English qualifications (if applicable).
2. Upload your CV under the ‘Experience section’. This is MANDATORY.
3. In the personal statement section, select ‘no’ and type ‘no personal statement required’ in the box.
4. Research proposal is NOT required. Upload a blank document to progress your application. Choose ‘Yes’ to the question ‘Are you applying for a UKRI studentship?’ and then choose ‘EPSRC ReNU Plus’.
5. Choose ‘Scholarship’ under source of funding.
6. Post submission, you need to login to the applicant portal to complete a competency assessment form.

We have limited number of International awards available. Note that up to 5 offers will be made for the ReNU+ CDT projects advertised by Northumbria University.

Deadline for applications: 3 February 2025 

Start date of course: 1 October 2025 

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.