Research Fellow in Offshore Geotechnics - ORE Supergen Hub (2654524DA)

We are seeking a Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work on the Offshore Renewable Energy Supergen Hub project, based at the University of Southampton, on a fixed-term contract of up to 3 years. 

The Research Fellow will focus on geotechnical challenges linked to the growth of UK offshore renewables. This scope encompasses site characterisation and the optimisation of foundation and anchoring systems, particular for frontier regions such as the Celtic Sea. 

The Offshore Renewable Energy Supergen Hub provides research leadership to connect academia, industry, policy and public stakeholders, inspire innovation and maximise societal value in offshore wind, wave and tidal energy. The ORE Supergen Hub is led by a consortium of 10 UK universities with a team of researchers delivering core research ac4ross a set of workstreams. The University of Southampton is primarily contributing to GIS-based modelling of ORE development and geotechnical aspects of ORE systems. 

We are seeking candidates with a background in geotechnical engineering, preferably with experience in geotechnical physical and/or numerical modelling. Within the Workstreams of the ORE Supergen Hub there are opportunities for centrifuge modelling of ORE foundations and anchors, development of novel site characterisation and design methods, and GIS-based implementation of geotechnical analysis for future ORE scenario modelling. Your research tasks will be tailored to your skills and capabilities, as well as the wider activity in Southampton and the wider ORE Supergen Hub. 

As an ORE Supergen Hub researcher you will be part of a UK-wide team with expertise spanning all aspects of ORE development, within a vibrant early career researcher (ECR) community. You will have many opportunities to expand your network, both in academia and across the ORE industry, through project meetings, workshops and conferences. 

You will be based at the new National Infrastructure Laboratory on the University’s Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and you will be embedded within a professional network addressing the ocean challenges and decarbonisation as part of the Southampton Marine & Maritime Institute (SMMI). 

We offer a generous renumeration package, which includes relocation assistance where appropriate, an attractive research environment, the latest facilities and access to a variety of staff development opportunities. 

More information about the project can be found here: ORE Supergen Hub 

You are invited to contact Professor David White (david.white@soton.ac.uk) for further information about this position in advance of submitting your application. 

Applicants are required to have a PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in a relevant discpline*. Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the ethos in the School of Engineering. We give full consideration to applicants who wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has onsite childcare facilities and we foster a good work-life balance. We also offer a mentorship programme and the school runs a women-oriented network event on a bi-weekly basis.

The University of Southampton is in the top 1% of world universities and the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities. We are committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university, with the principles of sustainability embedded into all aspects of our individual and collective work, in our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.

Closing Date: 11 Apr 2024

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £34,980 to £42,978 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term until 30/06/2027