Climate resilient submerged infrastructure

The University of Southampton offers a fully funded PhD position focused on enhancing the resilience of submerged infrastructure against hydrodynamic forces. Candidates with a strong background in fluid dynamics or hydraulics are encouraged to apply. The role involves utilizing advanced hydraulic labs and supercomputing facilities to develop sustainable solutions. This 3.5-year studentship includes tuition coverage and a stipend, with applications open until July 30, 2025.
Supervisory Team: Dr Gustavo de Almeida and Dr Sergio Maldonado

Fully funded PhD at the University of Southampton investigating novel design methods to improve submerged infrastructure resilience against currents and waves. Utilize world-class hydraulic labs and supercomputing facilities to develop sustainable, carbon-efficient solutions. Ideal for candidates with expertise in fluid dynamics or hydraulics. Shape the future of resilient infrastructure.

Are you ready to shape the future of resilient infrastructure? Applications are now open for a fully funded PhD position to explore innovative design methods that enhance the resilience of submerged infrastructure—such as bridge piers and offshore wind turbines—under hydrodynamic forces such as waves and currents.

Climate change is intensifying environmental pressures, making it crucial to develop next-generation infrastructure that is sustainable and cost-effective. This PhD project offers the chance to address these challenges by leveraging cutting-edge tools and experimental facilities.

You will gain access to the University of Southampton’s world-class hydraulic laboratory and one of the UK’s fastest supercomputers to test and simulate your designs with precision. Working within a globally recognized research team, you will contribute to groundbreaking advancements in fluid dynamics and infrastructure design, while joining a vibrant, international community of over 400 PhD students.

This 3.5-year studentship covers tuition fees and provides a tax-free stipend at the EPSRC rate. Open to outstanding applicants worldwide, the funding is highly competitive. Ideal candidates will hold an excellent degree in engineering or physics, with strong expertise in fluid dynamics or hydraulics.

Join us at one of the world’s top 100 universities and help redefine the future of submerged infrastructure. Planned start: Autumn 2025 (earlier starts possible).

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent). Open to outstanding candidates in engineering or physics, with expertise in fluid dynamics.

Closing date: (30 July 2025). Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, 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 Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online: Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD (Eng & Env)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date