Process-based model tools for prediction of scour around offshore structural foundations:
1
About the Project
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy solutions (N0MES) has a 4-year funded PhD place available for an exceptional researcher. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:
a) Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS);
b) Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities;
c) Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritimeenvironment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage; and
d) Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.
Offshore renewable energy installations, such as wind turbine monopiles and tidal stream supporting frames, often significantly alter fluid dynamics around their foundations, leading to seabed scour—a major risk factor for marine renewable energy devices. Current design methods based on shear force concepts can estimate maximum or equilibrium scour depth under specific flow conditions. However, they are unable to account for scour adaptation during rapid changes in surface waves, e.g. backfilling. Observations also reveal distinct bed deformation and scour formation when structural dynamics intensify under strong lateral loads from energetic storms. Experimental studies indicate that sediment particles' motion within the seabed, unlike flow-driven particle transport above the bed, may play a significant role in bed sliding and pit hole development. This microscopic behaviour is currently missing in the existing methods, which causes the large uncertainties in the predictions.
Therefore, the project aims to address these knowledge gaps by examining the microscopic motion of particles during backfill and around dynamic structures, develop better parameterization of scour processes. The findings will not only shed lights on the fundamental mechanism of wave-structure-sediment interactions under a changing climate, but also provide opportunity to develop a practical tool for addressing the significant challenge involved in expanding offshore renewable energy into deep seas. Specifically, the advanced CFD-DEM model, scourFOAM, jointly developed by UoL and HR Wallingford, will be utilized to investigate particle behaviour alongside existing field and laboratory data. Novel particle-based approach will be used to represent the structural vibrations under lateral loading. Model results will be parameterised into simple engineering terms and a new scour prediction algorithm will be formulated based on structural stability analysis, with the aim of extending current prediction methods to the realistic offshore environments more comprehensively.
We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be ennoscriptd to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.
We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.
Applicant Eligibility
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering.
1
About the Project
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Net Zero Maritime Energy solutions (N0MES) has a 4-year funded PhD place available for an exceptional researcher. With the support of the University of Liverpool (UoL), Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) and 33 maritime energy sector partners, N0MES PGRs will pursue new, engineering-centred, interdisciplinary research to address four vital net zero challenges currently facing the North West, the UK and beyond:
a) Energy generation using maritime-based renewable energy (e.g. offshore wind, tidal, wave, floating solar, hydrogen, CCS);
b) Distributing energy from offshore to onshore, including port- and hinterland-side impacts and opportunities;
c) Addressing the short- and long-term environmental impacts of offshore and maritimeenvironment renewable energy generation, distribution and storage; and
d) Decommissioning and lifetime extension of existing energy and facilities.
Offshore renewable energy installations, such as wind turbine monopiles and tidal stream supporting frames, often significantly alter fluid dynamics around their foundations, leading to seabed scour—a major risk factor for marine renewable energy devices. Current design methods based on shear force concepts can estimate maximum or equilibrium scour depth under specific flow conditions. However, they are unable to account for scour adaptation during rapid changes in surface waves, e.g. backfilling. Observations also reveal distinct bed deformation and scour formation when structural dynamics intensify under strong lateral loads from energetic storms. Experimental studies indicate that sediment particles' motion within the seabed, unlike flow-driven particle transport above the bed, may play a significant role in bed sliding and pit hole development. This microscopic behaviour is currently missing in the existing methods, which causes the large uncertainties in the predictions.
Therefore, the project aims to address these knowledge gaps by examining the microscopic motion of particles during backfill and around dynamic structures, develop better parameterization of scour processes. The findings will not only shed lights on the fundamental mechanism of wave-structure-sediment interactions under a changing climate, but also provide opportunity to develop a practical tool for addressing the significant challenge involved in expanding offshore renewable energy into deep seas. Specifically, the advanced CFD-DEM model, scourFOAM, jointly developed by UoL and HR Wallingford, will be utilized to investigate particle behaviour alongside existing field and laboratory data. Novel particle-based approach will be used to represent the structural vibrations under lateral loading. Model results will be parameterised into simple engineering terms and a new scour prediction algorithm will be formulated based on structural stability analysis, with the aim of extending current prediction methods to the realistic offshore environments more comprehensively.
We want all of our staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be ennoscriptd to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result.
We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.
Applicant Eligibility
Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent from a reputable University in an appropriate field of Engineering.
Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field will also be considered.
Application Process
Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Civil Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Trannoscripts, an up-to-date CV, two academic references and a supporting statement [maximum 300 words] detailing; what inspires you within this project, how your skill set matches the project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment so science, piece of science that excites you & anything else to support your application.
Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor mingli@liverpool.ac.uk , those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the CDT Manager Matt Fulton [ n0mescdt@liverpool.ac.uk ].
Application Process
Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form [How to apply for a PhD - University of Liverpool] applying for a PhD in Civil Engineering and uploading: Degree Certificates & Trannoscripts, an up-to-date CV, two academic references and a supporting statement [maximum 300 words] detailing; what inspires you within this project, how your skill set matches the project, up to 3 examples showing your commitment so science, piece of science that excites you & anything else to support your application.
Candidates wishing to discuss the research project should contact the primary supervisor mingli@liverpool.ac.uk , those wishing to discuss the application process should discuss this with the CDT Manager Matt Fulton [ n0mescdt@liverpool.ac.uk ].
the PhD position described below and available at the Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Italy.
Deadline: May 13, 2024 at 16.CET
Apply here:
https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1954/announcement-of-selection(Curriculum C, scholarship C3)
Best Regards
Alberto Bellin
A PhD grant fully funded by the 2022-2027 Department of Excellence program of the Italian Ministry of University and Research is available at the Department of Civil Environmental and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Trento. The grant is in the following research area: Glaciers’ stability under global warming (Scholarship C3 in the list of topics; proposed by Alberto Bellin and Nicola Pugno: www.unitn.it/alfresco/download/workspace/SpacesStore/fbe63c4d-fce1-487f-abb9-916f46defb5d/ICAM_Call%2040_ENG_def.pdf
We are looking for motivated candidates interested in developing innovative modeling on glaciers’ instability
A detailed denoscription of the proposed research for the above grants is available here (www.unitn.it/alfresco/download/workspace/SpacesStore/bbca2a10-c2bb-4791-831c-cdd3957940fb/research%20subjects-40-ICAM_1.pdf)
Examples of research activities of Alberto Bellin and Nicola Pugno are here (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alberto-Bellin ) and here (https://pugno.dicam.unitn.it/)
Applications should be submitted online here. (Section: How to Apply)
https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1954/announcement-of-selection
Dedline May 13th, 2024, hrs. 4.00 PM CET
To apply for the above grant please select curriculum C, scholarships C3.
Deadline: May 13, 2024 at 16.CET
Apply here:
https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1954/announcement-of-selection(Curriculum C, scholarship C3)
Best Regards
Alberto Bellin
A PhD grant fully funded by the 2022-2027 Department of Excellence program of the Italian Ministry of University and Research is available at the Department of Civil Environmental and Mechanical Engineering of the University of Trento. The grant is in the following research area: Glaciers’ stability under global warming (Scholarship C3 in the list of topics; proposed by Alberto Bellin and Nicola Pugno: www.unitn.it/alfresco/download/workspace/SpacesStore/fbe63c4d-fce1-487f-abb9-916f46defb5d/ICAM_Call%2040_ENG_def.pdf
We are looking for motivated candidates interested in developing innovative modeling on glaciers’ instability
A detailed denoscription of the proposed research for the above grants is available here (www.unitn.it/alfresco/download/workspace/SpacesStore/bbca2a10-c2bb-4791-831c-cdd3957940fb/research%20subjects-40-ICAM_1.pdf)
Examples of research activities of Alberto Bellin and Nicola Pugno are here (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alberto-Bellin ) and here (https://pugno.dicam.unitn.it/)
Applications should be submitted online here. (Section: How to Apply)
https://www.unitn.it/en/ateneo/1954/announcement-of-selection
Dedline May 13th, 2024, hrs. 4.00 PM CET
To apply for the above grant please select curriculum C, scholarships C3.
UniTrento
Announcement of selection - second call
Ateneo | Announcement of selection - second call | Doctoral Programme in Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering - a.y. 2024/2025 Additional scholarships cycle 40: call open Updates on the
PhD student in Meteorology with focus on high-fidelity wind farm modelling
Are you interested in working as a PhD student with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employee ship and offers safe and favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position in Meteorology with focus on high-fidelity wind farm modelling at Uppsala University, Campus Gotland.
https://lnkd.in/dVczpatH
Are you interested in working as a PhD student with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employee ship and offers safe and favorable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a PhD position in Meteorology with focus on high-fidelity wind farm modelling at Uppsala University, Campus Gotland.
https://lnkd.in/dVczpatH
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
PhD position (EPFL) - Ecohydrological modeling for climate-smart agriculture
I am looking for a PhD student to work on a SNSF-funded project on ecohydrological modeling for climate-smart agriculture. You can find all the information here: https://www.epfl.ch/about/working/enac-phd-position-in-ecohydrological-modeling-for-climate-smart-agriculture-change/
It would be great if you could share the announcement with any potentially interested candidates.
I am looking for a PhD student to work on a SNSF-funded project on ecohydrological modeling for climate-smart agriculture. You can find all the information here: https://www.epfl.ch/about/working/enac-phd-position-in-ecohydrological-modeling-for-climate-smart-agriculture-change/
It would be great if you could share the announcement with any potentially interested candidates.
EPFL
ENAC – PhD position in ecohydrological modeling for climate-smart agriculture (CHANGE)
Your mission: The Catchment Hydrology and Geomorphology Lab (CHANGE) led by Prof. Sara Bonetti at EPFL in Sion is looking for a PhD student to work on the SNSF-funded project SMART-AGRI (A global spatially-explicit quantification of the benefits of climate…
Water4All Applications Started!
Water4All, a program co-funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), is designed to equip 20 doctoral candidates (DCs) with a distinctive combination of research training skills in the intersection of applied sciences, engineering, and transferable soft skills. The program aspires to produce the water experts of the future while driving innovation in the field of sustainable water management.
https://water4all.iyte.edu.tr/
Water4All, a program co-funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA), is designed to equip 20 doctoral candidates (DCs) with a distinctive combination of research training skills in the intersection of applied sciences, engineering, and transferable soft skills. The program aspires to produce the water experts of the future while driving innovation in the field of sustainable water management.
https://water4all.iyte.edu.tr/
Ph.D. Position (Fully Funded) in Coastal Engineering, University of Quebec, Canada
More information about research can be found at:
https://www.uqar.ca/recherche/la-recherche-a-l-uqar/unites-de-recherche/genie-cotier/presentation-objectifs-et-mission-chaire-genie-cotier
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Kong at
xiangbing_kong@uqar.ca with their interests and up-to-date resume/CV.
More information about research can be found at:
https://www.uqar.ca/recherche/la-recherche-a-l-uqar/unites-de-recherche/genie-cotier/presentation-objectifs-et-mission-chaire-genie-cotier
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Kong at
xiangbing_kong@uqar.ca with their interests and up-to-date resume/CV.
Université du Québec à Rimouski
Chaire de recherche en génie côtier
La Chaire de recherche en génie côtier a pour objectifs de : Formation Intérêts de recherche Projets de recherche en cours et subventions Chaire de recherche industrielle de l’UQAR – Transports Québec.
PhD and MSc opportunities – Wildfire impacts on water resources (UQAT, Canada)
I am currently recruiting one PhD student and one MSc student to join an exciting research project on the impacts of wildfires on water resources in boreal watersheds of the Canadian Shield. This interdisciplinary project integrates hydrological modeling, remote sensing, machine learning, and geochemical analyses to better understand how wildfire disturbances affect water quantity and quality over space and time.
The positions are based within the Groundwater Research Group (GRES) at the Institut de recherche en mines et en environnement (IRME), Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), and are funded by a newly awarded NSERC Discovery Grant. Students will work in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and benefit from fieldwork opportunities and professional development.
Key research themes include:
• Remote sensing and machine learning for post-wildfire flood modeling
• Groundwater recharge modeling in burned landscapes
• Field sampling and hybrid deep learning–numerical modeling of nutrient and contaminant transport
Start dates are flexible (Fall 2025, Winter 2026, or Summer 2026), depending on admission timelines.
To apply, please contact me at rahim.b...@uqat.ca. Applications should include a brief statement of interest (max 1 page), a CV, and academic trannoscripts. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.
Best regards,
Rahim Barzegar, Ph.D.,
I am currently recruiting one PhD student and one MSc student to join an exciting research project on the impacts of wildfires on water resources in boreal watersheds of the Canadian Shield. This interdisciplinary project integrates hydrological modeling, remote sensing, machine learning, and geochemical analyses to better understand how wildfire disturbances affect water quantity and quality over space and time.
The positions are based within the Groundwater Research Group (GRES) at the Institut de recherche en mines et en environnement (IRME), Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), and are funded by a newly awarded NSERC Discovery Grant. Students will work in close collaboration with an interdisciplinary team and benefit from fieldwork opportunities and professional development.
Key research themes include:
• Remote sensing and machine learning for post-wildfire flood modeling
• Groundwater recharge modeling in burned landscapes
• Field sampling and hybrid deep learning–numerical modeling of nutrient and contaminant transport
Start dates are flexible (Fall 2025, Winter 2026, or Summer 2026), depending on admission timelines.
To apply, please contact me at rahim.b...@uqat.ca. Applications should include a brief statement of interest (max 1 page), a CV, and academic trannoscripts. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled.
Best regards,
Rahim Barzegar, Ph.D.,
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is hiring a Specialist – Water Management (Job ID: HQ01830) for its Kerala Climate Resilient Agri-Value Chain Modernization (KERA) project in India, supported by the Government of Kerala and the World Bank.
The position focuses on agro-hydrological modeling, field water management, and development of low-emission irrigation practicesin collaboration with Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in India and international partners incl. Cornell University and Wageningen University.
Qualifications:
Master’s in Soil & Water Conservation, Water Resources, or Irrigation Engineering
≥3 years relevant experience
Skills in hydrological modeling, digital tools, and field data collection
Deadline: 13 November 2025
More details and online application: https://www.irri.org/jobs and look for the Specialist - Water Management position to apply.
Alternatively, email your CV and cover letter (PDF) to M.Caparas@cgiar.org (cc: irri-workforceresourcing@cgiar.org).
The position focuses on agro-hydrological modeling, field water management, and development of low-emission irrigation practicesin collaboration with Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) in India and international partners incl. Cornell University and Wageningen University.
Qualifications:
Master’s in Soil & Water Conservation, Water Resources, or Irrigation Engineering
≥3 years relevant experience
Skills in hydrological modeling, digital tools, and field data collection
Deadline: 13 November 2025
More details and online application: https://www.irri.org/jobs and look for the Specialist - Water Management position to apply.
Alternatively, email your CV and cover letter (PDF) to M.Caparas@cgiar.org (cc: irri-workforceresourcing@cgiar.org).
we would like to draw your attention to two open PhD/researcher positions within the DFG-funded project HydroSIGNS. The project is a joint collaboration between the Department Catchment Hydrology at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ and the Institute of Groundwater Management at the TU Dresden.
HydroSIGNS investigates how resilient hydrological systems across the globe are to climatic changes and extreme events. By linking hydrometric and isotope-based event signatures, the project aims to identify robust indicators of functional resilience across spatial scales.
The official job denoscriptions are attached and can also be found here:
UFZ position: https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/3276/Denoscription/2
TU Dresden position: https://www.verw.tu-dresden.de/StellAus/stelle.asp?id=12452&lang=en&style=cms2
Please feel free to share these announcements within your networks or with potentially interested candidates.
HydroSIGNS investigates how resilient hydrological systems across the globe are to climatic changes and extreme events. By linking hydrometric and isotope-based event signatures, the project aims to identify robust indicators of functional resilience across spatial scales.
The official job denoscriptions are attached and can also be found here:
UFZ position: https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/3276/Denoscription/2
TU Dresden position: https://www.verw.tu-dresden.de/StellAus/stelle.asp?id=12452&lang=en&style=cms2
Please feel free to share these announcements within your networks or with potentially interested candidates.
Umantis
PhD Researcher (f/m/x): Hydrometric and isotopic event signatures to evaluate functional resilience of diverse hydrological systems…
We are pleased to announce an opening for a research position focusing on floodplain hydrology and restoration based at the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ) in Magdeburg (DE). The project investigates practical options to increase water retention in floodplain landscapes with the goal of stabilising groundwater levels under changing climatic conditions.
Full details and application instructions at: https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/3292/Denoscription/2
Full details and application instructions at: https://recruitingapp-5128.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/3292/Denoscription/2