PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero CDT: Endurant Power and Propulsion System for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles in Offshore Energy Infrastructure

Overview

This four-year PhD studentship focuses on developing a next-generation endurant power and propulsion system for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles to support offshore energy infrastructure. The project aims to enable vehicles to achieve substantial operational range and endurance, unlocking persistent monitoring and intervention capabilities for offshore wind, subsea cables, and energy platforms. The successful candidate will co-develop system requirements with industrial partner Walker Subsea, integrate battery and propulsion prototypes into a platform, conduct controlled tank testing and sea trials, and deliver a validated power-propulsion module.

The project is part of the EPSRC CDT in Process Industries: Net Zero and is aligned with the goal of developing innovative technologies to accelerate the transition to a net zero economy. Supervision will be provided by academics from the Process Intensification Group at Newcastle University, alongside the sponsor EPSRC. There is one award available starting on 1 October 2027.

Who can apply

This studentship is open to UK home students only. Applicants must hold or expect to gain a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a relevant subject, typically chemical engineering or chemistry, though candidates with other relevant qualifications are encouraged to make inquiries.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate enthusiasm for research, strong analytical skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to work and think independently.

What you get

The award covers 100 percent of fees for UK Home students only. It provides a minimum tax-free annual living allowance based on the 2027/28 UKRI Rate, with the 2026/7 rate set at £21,805 per annum. Additionally, a research training support grant of £20,000 is included.

How to apply

Candidates must apply through the University's Apply to Newcastle Portal. After registering, applicants should select create a postgraduate application, search for the course title using the programme code 8856F, leave the research area field blank, and select PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero as the programme of study.

In the further details section, applicants must upload or write a mandatory personal statement, enter the studentship code PINZ02-27 into the studentship or partnership reference field, select write proposal and enter the research project title for the research proposal, and upload a curriculum vitae. Only one application per studentship is permitted.

Key dates

The application closing date is 7 January 2027. The award start date is 1 October 2027.