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Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a full
time three-year PhD research position available on MEGA4Wind in the School of Engineering
at the University of Galway from the 1st June 2023. The MEGA4Wind project develops floating offshore wind technologies, where the successful candidate will conduct wind resource evaluation, component design and structural testing.
The successful candidate will join the Sustainable & Resilient Structures Research Group
(https://www.universityofgalway.ie/structures/) in the School of Engineering and the SFI
MaREI Centre in the Ryan Institute at the University of Galway. The research group was
founded in 2008 by Professor Jamie Goggins. The core expertise of the group is in developing sustainable and resilient structures for buildings and energy infrastructure, applying leading edge scientific and engineering methods to develop the improved infrastructure and built environment required for sustainable social and economic development. The group has a strong history of collaboration with industry and international research institutes, where it is part of the SFI MaREI Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine and leads the Materials & Structures research area within that national research centre. The central research infrastructure of the group is a world-leading large structures test cell in the Alice Perry Engineering building at University of Galway, which is one of the few test facilities in the world available for accelerated life testing of full-scale tidal turbine blades, but can also be used for testing other large scale structural systems.
The MEGA4Wind project aims to develop floating offshore wind technologies to expand Irish
wind energy capabilities in producing electricity more effectively and hence reduce carbon
emissions. The MEGA4Wind project aligns well with the key objectives of the SEAI and RD&D Funding Programme as it supports the development and deployment of a floating wind energy system for the Irish marketplace, expanding its wind energy capabilities which is Ireland’s leading source of sustainable renewable energy. The activities within the
MEGA4Wind project align very well with the policies of both the Irish Government and also
those of the European Commission. The MEGA4Wind project will contribute significantly in
realising an Irish electrical grid with electricity provided from clean renewable sources as the proposed technology will provide a more efficient and sustainable solution for exploiting our offshore wind resource. The MEGA4Wind project proposes a disruptive and innovative
solution for the wind industry, a novel floating vertical axis solution, which not only maximises the use of materials but also has performance benefits. The MEGA4Wind project in particular will look at optimising the technology for megawatt-scale developments through the use of state-of-the-art numerical modelling. The project will investigate the optimum turbine configurations on the single floating platform from both a performance and LCoE aspect. This optimisied configuration shall then undergo scaled experimental trials in controlled laboratory conditions. Furthermore, a comprehensive LCoE analysis shall be carried out for the technology at megawatt scale.
The successful candidate will work on a range of aspects of the MEGA4Wind project to
support the development of the novel technology, in particular the topology modelling of key
components for offshore win applications. This includes the development of fluid-structure
interaction models to enable improved component design. Experimental trials and structural
testing of device components, along with wind resource evaluation, will also form a key part
of the PhD project.
Living allowance (Stipend): €18,500 per annum for 3 years, [tax-exempt scholarship award]
University fees: 3 years EU fees and research related travel are covered by the grant. Non-EU
candidates will require a non-EU fee waiver.
Start date: 1st June 2023
Academic Entry Requirements:
• A first-class honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant area, such as mechanical engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, energy systems engineering, or a similar discipline
• A Masters degree in a related area
• Excellent communication, organisation and interpersonal skills, including the ability to write concise, readable reports, and the ability to interact with other researchers
• A record of peer-reviewed journal publications is advantageous but not essential
• Applicants whose first language is not English must show evidence of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS minimum 6.5, individual sections 5.5), please check the requirements at:
http://www.nuigalway.ie/international-students/studyinireland/entryrequirements/
• A mix of computational modelling, programming, simulation, and/or data/statistical analysis skills is advantageous but not essential
To Apply for the Scholarship:
Please send the below documents by email with “PhD- MEGA4WIND Application – (applicant first and last name)” in the subject line to Ms Gráinne Morahan,
(grainne.morahan@nuigalway.ie).
1) Your C.V. (Please include details of your Masters & Undergraduate theses, if
appropriate, and contact details of two referees.)
2) Full details of all university course grades to date
3) Motivation letter (750 words maximum) that clearly describes why you are interested
in and are suitable for this research position
For informal enquiries, please contact the position supervisor:
Contact Name: Dr William Finnegan
Contact Email: william.finnegan@universityofgalway.ie
Application Deadline: 23:39 on 17th March 2023 (Irish time 24hr format
