Maritime Infrastructures / Offshore Renewable Energy
Work description
The PhD candidate’s work plan aims to develop innovative mooring and anchoring solutions for floating offshore wind turbines, integrating advanced structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. The work includes research into new anchoring concepts adaptable to different soil types, the development of smart mooring cables with embedded sensors, and the integration of structural monitoring data for performance optimization and predictive maintenance. The plan also includes experimental validation in an ocean laboratory and, if possible, in collaboration with industrial partners. The work to be carried out will include experiments in an ocean laboratory, participation in structural monitoring campaigns, and training in advanced numerical simulation and data analysis tools. The candidate will also have a training and capacity-building period to be defined at SINTEF OCEAN in Trondheim (Norway). The supervisory team is composed of Filipe Manuel Rodrigues Leite Magalhães (FEUP) and Diogo Neves (INESCTEC), together with co-supervisors from INESCTEC and SINTEF Ocean (Norway), as outlined in the work plan.
Academic Qualifications
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Materials Engineering, Naval Engineering, or related fields, with a solid background in structural dynamics, finite element analysis, and material behaviour. Eligible applicants: Students who are enrolled, or who commit to enroll by the time of hiring, in a PhD degree-awarding study programme offered by a Higher Education Institution.
Minimum profile required
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams.Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Preference factors
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in: •Dynamic analysis of floating objects and moorings for offshore structures. •Numerical modelling of offshore structures using software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS, OrcaFlex, OpenFAST, or similar. •Knowledge of mooring and anchoring systems. •Ability to analyze and interpret experimental and simulation data.
Application Period
Since 02 Oct 2025 to 17 Oct 2025