This studentship is under offer.
Join an exciting PhD project with ESB in offshore wind maintenance modelling and climate analytics to develop data‑driven methods that forecast metocean impacts on accessibility, maintenance scheduling, and risk. An outstanding opportunity to work with climate projections and operational data to inform resilient and cost‑effective O&M strategies across UK and Irish waters.
- Institution: Strathclyde University
- Primary supervisor: Professor James Carroll
- In partnership with ESB
- Subject requirements: First-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Data Analytics or other relevant areas. Experience of maintenance practices and environmental data is useful but not essential.
- Duration of award: 4 years (full-time) up to 8 years (part-time)
- October 2026 start
- Overseas/EU: Applications accepted until 30 June 2026
- Home/UK: Applications accepted until all places are filled
Project summary
This PhD research opportunity focuses on understanding how climate-driven changes in metocean conditions may influence the long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) performance of offshore wind farms.
You will investigate how evolving parameters such as significant wave height, Atlantic swell patterns, storm frequency, and seasonal weather variability could affect offshore accessibility windows, maintenance logistics, and weather-related downtime for offshore wind assets. Drawing on climate projections, metocean datasets, and offshore O&M modelling techniques, the research will develop data-informed approaches to quantify the impact of changing environmental conditions on maintenance strategies, operational risk, and long-term O&M costs.
The project will ultimately provide insights that help offshore wind developers optimise operational strategies, anticipate future accessibility constraints, and support more resilient and cost-effective asset management in emerging offshore wind regions such as the North Sea, Irish Sea, Celtic Sea, and the west coast of Ireland.
Collaboration
ESB, the industry partner for this PhD, will be closely involved in the project, provide an industry supervisor, and host time at their sites.
You will also receive specialist training through the Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero CDT which offers a unique blend of cutting-edge research, cohort-based collaboration, and industry exposure – equipping you to become a future leader.
Fees and funding
The studentship is for 4 years full-time, is fully funded with tuition fees at the UK rate covered and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, £3,000 per annum is provided for consumables, travel, etc.
Ready to apply?
Please send your CV, cover letter and transcripts to both of the following emails (subject line: EnerHy studentship):
j.carroll@strath.ac.uk
drew.smith@strath.ac.uk
Copy this information to enter once you have registered to make your application.
Project code: SU-EnerHy 2026-27/004
Full-time: WSRP25 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD
Part-time: WSRP56 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero Ph